Online poker is legal in Rwanda under Law No. 58/2011 governing gaming activities, which permits licensed operators to offer internet gaming within the Republic of Rwanda (1). The Rwanda Development Board serves as the regulatory authority for all gambling activities, overseeing the licensing procedure, monitoring, and regulation of gaming operations (2). As of August 2025, the RDB has resumed the licensing process after a year-long hiatus for both new and existing operators, accepting applications for online casinos and land-based casinos with a September 30, 2025 deadline.
Rwanda categorizes gambling licenses into five types, with Category E specifically granting holders the right to carry out and make available internet gaming downloaded on authorized networks (1). The Ministry in charge of commerce has overall control of gaming activities, with responsibilities including issuing licenses, conducting investigations to ensure compliance, and prosecuting unlawful gaming activities (1). Operators must obtain a national gaming licence valid for at least ten years and renewable, while paying annual regulatory fees and complying with new tax requirements that increased gambling tax rates from 13% to 40% in May 2025.
"We want to ensure this industry grows in a responsible and transparent way. New rules are coming soon, but for now we are working under the existing laws as we consult stakeholders."
Licensed poker operators can offer both casino-based poker and online poker platforms, provided they meet technical competence, probity, and financial requirements set by the regulatory authority (1). Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in gambling activities, with operators required to implement responsible gaming programs that identify problem gamblers and provide self-exclusion processes (1). Currently, over 30 registered gambling operators function in Rwanda, and the government plans to update the 2011 gambling laws to better reflect current digital and economic realities while strengthening player protection measures.
Source:
https://rwandalii.org/akn/rw/act/law/2011/58/eng@2012-03-26/source
https://www.ktpress.rw/2025/08/rwanda-resumes-issuing-gaming-licenses/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
