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Eight foreign-owned operators running approximately 1,000 slot machines in Rwanda now have just over a month to remove all machines from the country, with a final deadline set for December 2025. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issued the directive as part of a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed and non-compliant slot machines. Some of the affected machines were previously licensed but no longer comply with the updated 2024 gambling framework. Authorities found that certain operators had installed machines outside approved venues or exceeded licensing limits, and older licensing agreements are no longer valid under the new regulations, which restrict slot machines to fully licensed casinos. Jacques Habyarimana, Head of Gaming Activities at RDB, said: “These companies have been given a three-month deadline, that started in September 2025, to withdraw their machines and repatriate them to countries where they are permitted. By December, none of these machines should remain in Rwanda.” Most affected companies had previously operated slot machine networks in small arcades, bars and retail outlets under older licensing agreements, which are no longer valid under the new regulations. Under the revised framework, these business models no longer comply, ensuring that slot machines are only used responsibly within regulated casino environments. Broader crackdown on unlicensed slot machines The RDB, in partnership with Enviroserve Rwanda, has launched a nationwide crackdown targeting over 7,000 unlicensed slot machines. Authorities are dismantling and recycling the machines to curb gambling-related harm and ensure safe disposal of hazardous electronic components. Officials recently oversaw dismantling at a recycling facility in Bugesera District. Olivier Mbera, Country General Manager of Enviroserve Rwanda, said: “We are currently dealing with over 7,000 slot machines. So far, we have collected more than 3,500 from Kigali and the Eastern Province.” The collection drive, which began two months ago, is expanding into the Southern, Western and Northern provinces. During dismantling, hazardous materials are separated from reusable parts. Steel, copper and aluminium are recovered; plastics are sent to Asia for recycling into clothing fibres; and circuit boards containing precious metals are exported to Dubai for smelting. Enviroserve is also training local youth in safe dismantling practices, thereby creating new employment and skills development opportunities. Authorities are enforcing Rwanda’s national gambling policy, which emphasises responsible gambling, minimising social harm, maximising economic benefits and strengthening regulatory oversight. Although legalised under a 2011 law, misuse and unauthorised installations in local communities led to a ban in 2022. The government aims to have all unlicensed and non-compliant machines removed by December 2025, marking a significant step in overhauling the country’s gaming sector. [Source: Focus Gaming News Africa]. (End)
