The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has suspended the operations of Baron Sports Gaming Ltd, trading as Forzza, after finding that the company repeatedly offered casino style games outside the scope of its approved licence. The suspension took effect immediately and requires the operator to stop all gambling activities across Rwanda while regulatory action remains in force.
RDB orders immediate halt
The RDB said Baron Sports had repeatedly provided casino-style games despite not being authorised to do so under the terms of its licence.
The suspension applies to all of Forzza’s retail outlets, digital platforms, agents and any other gambling related operations across the country. The company has been instructed to stop all gaming activities immediately and remove all advertising and promotional materials linked to its services.
The regulator said the activities breached Rwanda’s gaming laws and licensing conditions, prompting immediate enforcement action.
The RDB warned that any attempt to continue operating during the suspension period would be considered unlawful and could result in further enforcement measures. It also reminded all licensed lottery and gambling operators that they must only offer products and services authorised under their licences. Any unauthorised gambling activity may lead to sanctions, including licence suspension or permanent revocation.
Public urged to avoid Forzza services
The regulator has advised members of the public not to take part in any games or gambling activities offered by Forzza until further notice. It said the suspension will remain in effect while the regulatory action is ongoing.
The RDB said compliance with licensing conditions is a legal requirement for every licensed operator. It added that operators are expected to stay within the scope of their approved activities and comply with all applicable gaming regulations throughout the licence period.
The regulator also said it remains focused on protecting consumers, supporting a well regulated gambling market and ensuring that all licensed businesses follow the country’s legal framework.
Company responds
Forzza said it was surprised by the decision. Speaking to local media, Managing Director Eric Rutayisire said the company had not yet received a full explanation from the RDB about the reasons behind the suspension.
Rutayisire said the company would not comment further at this stage. The regulator has not announced how long the suspension will remain in place or what conditions the operator must meet before it can resume operations.
Licences to three gambling operators
Earlier this month, the RDB, through its National Lottery and Gambling Commission (NLGC), awarded gambling licences to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet following a competitive evaluation process. The regulator said the licensing exercise assessed applicants against technical, regulatory and responsible gambling requirements before granting approval.
In a post on X, the RDB said: “Today, RDB, through its National Lottery & Gambling Commission (NLGC), officially issued gambling licenses to Betway (Online Sports Betting and Online Casino), ElephantBet (Online Sports Betting), and ForteBet (Online Sports Betting and Online Casino), after a thorough, competitive licensing and evaluation process.”
In June 2024, the country suspended the licensing of new and existing gambling operators to allow what authorities described as a “thorough review and redesign” of the regulatory framework. The review followed concerns over weak regulatory enforcement, underreporting of earnings and rising gambling addiction.
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