Rwanda is a sovereign state in east-central Africa also known as the Republic of Rwanda. On the 19th of July in 1994, Rwandan Front scored a military coup and took power. Over the recent past, gambling enthusiasts and sports fans in Rwanda have had a lot to cheer about. Due to the legalization of both the traditional and the virtual forms of gambling, the country is now a hub of sports betting. This ultimate Rwanda betting guide will provide you with key information on the history of betting, legislation, and top betting sites in Rwanda to help you get started.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws and Legislation
Early Years
- 1962: Rwanda became an independent country after getting freedom from Belgium.
- 1962 – 2008: As of now, gambling was prohibited in the country of Rwanda.
Legalization and Development
- 2008: The launching of the Rwandan National Lottery formed the basis of legalizing gambling in Rwanda. In the same year, the first Casino in the country, Casino Kigali was launched.
- 2011: The issues of legalization of casino gambling and online gambling. Private companies were allowed to get licenses for gambling.
- 2013: Appointment of the Gambling Board that is under the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Rwanda. Online gambling licenses began to be provided.
Recent Updates
- 2020 (May – October): The COVID-19 pandemic led to closure of gambling establishments but they have been allowed to re-open.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
Rwanda’s gambling laws specify the types of bets that are allowed and those that are prohibited:
- Permitted Bets: Comprises of sports book, casinos, gaming tables, gaming devices and Internet gambling.
- Prohibited Bets: Some of the prohibited bets are those that may result in negative impacts to society or particular high risk activities or events.
Regulation of Betting Sites in Rwanda
The Gambling Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry is the main regulator of the gambling business in Rwanda. Created in 2013 this board has been instrumental in the regulation and the promotion of a balanced and a legal gambling market.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
In this regard, a company that wants to conduct gambling business in Rwanda has to acquire a license from the Gambling Commission:
- Should be in possession of appropriate gaming premises.
- None of the owners and shareholders shall have a criminal record.
- The companies should not be under foreclosure or insolvency.
License Types and Fees
- Casino License: The above analysis shows that the application fee is RWF 1,500,000 (€ 1500) with the same amount of money paid every year.
- Gaming Machine License.
- Sportbooks License.
- Internet Gaming License.
Taxes Imposed on Sports Betting in Rwanda
- Tax Rates
- General Gambling Tax: It required that the taxes should be 13% of the gross gaming revenue.
- Withholding Tax on Players’ Winnings: 15 percent.
- Besides the normal corporate taxes that are at 30%.
Ranked Betting Sites in Rwanda
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Betmaster
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The History of Rwandan Sports Achievements
This paper will also explore the fact that Rwanda has tremendously improved in the field of sports and this has positively influenced the growth of sports betting. Here are some notable events: The following are some of the occurrences that can be highlighted;
- 2004: Dieudonne Disi got the first Olympic medal for Rwanda.
- 2007: The national football team also known as the Amavubi also progressed to the final round of the African Cup of Nations.
- 2009: The national women basketball team which is commonly referred to as the Patriots won the FIBA Africa Championship for Women.
- 2012: The National Cycling team commonly known as Akagera take the Tour du Rwanda championship.
- 2016: The national athletics team known the Wasps won the African Nations Championship.
Celebrating Rwandan Sports Stars
Rwanda boasts several notable athletes who have brought glory to the nation:
- Mathias Ntawulikura: Ntawulikura a long distance runner has performed in many international assignments of Rwandan team and has been awarded several times.
- Abdul Sibomana: There is Sibomana another Rwandan athlete who is famous for his exceptional performance in the sporting discipline of athletics.
- Adrien Niyonshuti: Niyonshuti a professional cyclist; he was the Rwandan flag bearer at the London Olympics of 2012 and the first Rwandan to take part in Tour de France.
Gambling Laws of Neighboring Countries
- Uganda: The regulation of the gambling business in Uganda is done by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board. There are also available the possibilities of terrestrial and internet gambling in the country.
- Tanzania: The regulation of gambling activities in Tanzania is done by the Tanzania Gaming Board which comprises of casinos and sports betting. The country has very well laid down rules and regulation to ensure that every one is to be treated fairly and to some extent the same.
- Burundi: In comparison with the neighboring countries, gambling is slightly less developed in Burundi. The country has very few Institutions and laws against gambling in the country.
Conclusion
This has put Rwanda among the African countries with liberal laws and regulation on gambling particularly on the sports betting. In this manner, legal systems ensure the protection of the bettors and the availability of the fun and entertaining process of gambling.
FAQ about Betting Sites in Rwanda
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