Rwanda has awarded online gambling licences to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet as the country resumes market development under a stricter regulatory and tax framework.
The Rwanda Development Board, acting through the National Lottery and Gambling Commission, announced the approvals on July 15th following what it described as a competitive licensing and evaluation process.
Betway and ForteBet have been authorised to offer online sports betting and online casino products. ElephantBet has received approval for online sports betting only.
The regulator said the licences were granted to operators that met technical, regulatory and responsible gambling requirements, describing the decision as an important step towards establishing a more controlled gambling market.
Rwanda suspended new and renewed gambling licences in June 2024 while authorities reviewed the country’s regulatory structure amid concerns over weak enforcement, revenue reporting and gambling related harm.
The market continues to operate under existing gambling legislation and the 2024 Gambling Policy while the government completes wider reforms covering licensing, monitoring and consumer protection.
The return of major operators follows a sharp increase in gambling taxation. Rwanda raised the tax on gross gaming revenue from 13% to 40% and increased withholding tax on player winnings from 15% to 25%. The revised gaming tax provisions took effect during 2025.
The government is also developing a centralised monitoring system intended to give regulators direct access to betting activity and reduce reliance on figures reported by individual operators.
The new licences bring established regional and international brands back into a market that is seeking to combine tighter oversight with increased tax revenue and investment in digital gambling.
Rwanda has also restructured its national lottery operation. Moja Rwanda was selected this year to manage the lottery under a 10 year operating agreement after the previous concession was revoked.
The licensing of Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet is the clearest indication yet that Rwanda is reopening its commercial online market after two years of regulatory review.
