The first ever casino in Rwanda, Casino Kigali, failed to open as promised due to what insiders call unforeseen delays, The New Times has learnt.

Casino Kigali which will be located at Top Tower Hotel in Kacyiru was supposed to open on October 21.

Sources close to the venture but who preferred anonymity, say that the Casino which will operate under Lotto Rwanda, from the opening was delayed by unfinished work at the building where it will be located.

The Director General of Lotto Rwanda, Philip Brizoua, had earlier on told the press that the opening of the new casino was among the many innovations that they are bringing in the gaming arena.

However, in spite of the fact that they failed to launch the casino, Top Tower Hotel ‘silently’ opened that very day. Until yesterday, work on the first floor of Top Tower hotel where the casino is located was still going on but there was no sign of gaming tables.

Some of the workers already employed who declined to be identified said that the delay to open on time was caused by late shipment of equipment from oversees.

"We are sure of opening soon though we have been delayed because of some equipment that have not yet been cleared, but we are sure this is a temporary setback,” said an employee who preferred anonymity. 

When The New Times contacted the management of Casino Kigali, the person in charge refused to give any comment saying that it was not for him to comment on the current situation.

Also attempts to speak to the Director General of Lotto Rwanda were unsuccessful by the time of going to press as he did not pick up his phone.

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