Rwanda Licences Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet
Rwanda.- 21 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through its National Lottery & Gambling Commission (NLGC), has awarded gambling licences to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet following a competitive evaluation process. The decision forms part of a regulatory tightening intended to improve oversight, transparency and player protection.
News Details
Betway has been authorised to offer online sports betting and online casino, while ElephantBet received approval solely for internet sports betting. ForteBet was licensed for both verticals.
The approvals, announced on 15 July, followed an assessment of each operator’s ability to meet technical, regulatory and responsible gambling requirements.
The process follows a wider market review launched in 2024, when authorities temporarily suspended the issuance and renewal of gambling licences. The intervention responded to concerns over weak enforcement, underreported revenue, limited digital oversight and increasing levels of gambling-related harm.
While the final replacement legislation remains under development, the sector continues to operate under the 2024 Gambling Policy and existing laws introduced in 2011 and 2013.
Industry Context
The licensing exercise is accompanied by a substantial increase in taxation. In May 2025, Rwanda raised the gaming tax rate from 13% to 40% and increased withholding tax on player winnings from 15% to 25%.
The regulator is also introducing a Centralised Monitoring System that will provide real-time access to betting activity and reduce its dependence on figures submitted by individual operators. The system is intended to improve tax collection, identify irregularities and restrict illegal gambling.
The wider reforms include stronger compliance, responsible gambling, consumer-protection and digital-transformation requirements. Authorities aim to attract credible investment while limiting the potential social and economic harms associated with gambling.
Statements
The RDB said:
“This marks a major milestone in establishing a regulated and responsible gambling industry in Rwanda.”
When reopening licensing, the authority also stated:
“The aim is to establish a modern and responsible gambling ecosystem, aligned with international best practices and Rwanda’s strategic vision.”
Next Steps or Impact
Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet will be required to align their operations with the revised fiscal, technical and supervisory requirements. The licences represent a selective reopening of the market, with access dependent on higher standards of financial capacity, compliance and player protection.
Rwanda will continue reviewing its legislation, refining procedures for online and land-based operators and introducing digital monitoring tools to strengthen control of the sector.
Edited by: @_fonta
