Rwanda regulator suspends operator for offering casino-style games outside of licence

The Rwanda regulator has suspended Baron Sports Gaming Ltd, trading as Forzza. Under the suspension, announced on Thursday by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Forzza is required to cease all operations in Rwanda immediately.

Forzza must also remove all associated advertising and promotional materials.

The suspension comes after Forzza was found to have repeatedly offered casino-style games outside of its licence.

The RDB confirmed to iGB that Forzza’s existing licence only permitted the operator to offer sports betting.

The RDB warned Forzza it could face further enforcement action if it continues to operate during the suspension period.

In a statement shared with The New Times, a Rwandan newspaper, the company expressed its surprise at the decision, claiming to have not received an explanation from the RDB on the reasons behind its suspension.

Rwanda looks to welcome international operators

Serge Nyombayire, COO of the RDB, told iGB last week there were 15 licensees in the Rwanda gambling market, including a national lottery operator. The licence revocation of Forzza takes that total down to 14.

After Rwanda opened up the licensing process, three new operators received authorisation earlier this month to operate in the market.

Both ForteBet and Super Group’s Betway brand received a licence for online sports betting and casino, while ElephantBet was authorised to offer online sports betting.

With Rwanda still very much an emerging market, Nyombayire said attracting operators of the calibre of Super Group’s Betway was “key” to its approach and the sector moving forward.

“Companies like Betway have proven their experience elsewhere, and their way of doing business has been seen as the proper way in so many aspects,” Nyombayire told iGB. “So for us, it really showcases that Rwanda is trying its best to really welcome these kinds of companies.

“Maybe also, these types of companies that have international experience, that have proven their best practices, can also support us in developing the next gambling law, whereby we can really benchmark on them, get more data from them, on what is needed to put things together,” he continued.

“We believe in a sector that is interactive, that can exchange information from us as a regulator, but also we hope a lot from this type of operator. We believe it will be a very good way to learn from each other.”