Online casinos are legal in Rwanda under the existing regulatory framework governed by Law n°58/2011 of 31/12/2011, which covers all gaming activities in the country (1). The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) serves as the primary regulator for the gambling sector, overseeing licensing procedures and ensuring compliance with established standards. Rwanda's gambling industry encompasses five main categories, including Internet Gaming, which specifically covers online casino operations and other digital gambling platforms.
The regulatory landscape for online casinos in Rwanda has recently undergone significant modernization efforts. Following the adoption of the 2024 Gambling Policy, RDB has resumed accepting expressions of interest for online casino operations after a temporary licensing suspension that lasted from June 2024 (1). The government has recognized the gaming sector's importance to Rwanda's economy and is working to establish a more comprehensive regulatory framework that aligns with international best practices while protecting consumers.
"RDB is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the following gambling categories: Sports betting (land-based), Sports betting (online), Casino (online)."
Under the current legal framework, online casino operators must obtain proper licensing through RDB and comply with ongoing regulatory requirements (2). The regulator ensures that all gaming activities are administered in a transparent and accountable manner, with operators expected to meet specific standards of character and fitness. With RDB's enhanced regulatory powers and the implementation of the new gambling policy, Rwanda is positioning itself as a well-regulated jurisdiction for online casino operations while maintaining strong consumer protection measures.
Source:
https://rdb.rw/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Directives-to-Gambling-Operators-and-Interested-Parties.pdf
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/18452/news/law/rdb-to-take-over-regulatory-powers-of-local-gaming-sector
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
