Experts have weighed in on the importance of the newly approved gambling policy and how it should be applied to make the industry safer and better regulated.

The policy is expected to be a guide for the formulation of new laws as well as the establishment of institutions for the regulation of the gambling industry, putting emphasis on minimising social harm, maximizing economic benefits, and strengthening regulatory oversight.

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Among the key points proposed in the policy is the establishment of a centralised monitoring system, licensing reforms, and responsible gambling initiatives to ensure a balanced and well-regulated gambling sector.

For instance, it recommends that gambling operators in Rwanda will face updated licensing requirements including those related to premises in order to better align their businesses with safety standards and economic contribution. It also proposes the strengthening of consumer protection and social responsibility with measures like mandatory messages in ads about age and identity verification, and self-exclusion programmes.

Commenting on the policy, Dr. Jean Pierre Ndagijimana, a psychologist working with Solid Minds Counselling Clinic in Kigali, pointed at the importance of mental health in the gambling business, noting that gambling addiction, at its core, is a mental health condition.

"It progresses from habitual gambling to a full-blown disorder where individuals lose control over their actions, often leading to severe family and financial conflicts,” he said.

"This addiction disproportionately affects men, who often realise they are addicted only after suffering significant personal and financial losses,” he added.

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A 2020 assessment made by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Kigali revealed that over 70 percent of gamblers surveyed exhibited signs of gambling disorder, such as compulsively chasing losses, lying about gambling habits, and an inability to stop despite negative consequences.

The government’s gambling policy focuses on prevention through targeted awareness campaigns and protection measures to safeguard vulnerable populations. Educational programs in schools and public campaigns aim to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and the importance of responsible behaviour.

Ndagijimana emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting that recognising the signs of addiction early is crucial.

"Family members play a vital role in identifying these signs and offering support rather than judgment. When addiction sets in, it’s no longer just a behavioural issue but a sickness requiring medical and psychological intervention,” he said.

Tighter laws a good thing

Diane Umugwaneza, a Kigali-based lawyer, shared her perspective on addressing gambling addiction in society, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, pointing at the need that was there to revisit gambling regulations. She proposed tighter regulations including limiting participation to only twice a day for clients.

"As both a lawyer and a parent, I believe measures should be introduced to limit how often individuals can gamble, such as restricting participation to twice a day. This could help curb excessive spending and reduce the risk of addiction. Unfortunately, beyond such regulations, I see limited options for addressing gambling addiction from a legislative standpoint,” she said.

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Rwanda&039;s gambling industry is continuing to grow, with gambling revenues exceeding Rwf 21 billion in 2023.

Broader consumer protection measures

Damien Ndizeye, a consumer protection expert in Kigali, pointed out the need for broader measures that protect gambling clients. For instance, he noted that the regulators may consider limiting the proximity of ATMs and mobile money agents in gambling areas, because it may encourage impulsive borrowing or misuse of funds.

"We have observed that the proximity of financial services, such as ATMs or mobile money agents, near gambling establishments may pose a challenge that requires careful review. These setups could inadvertently contribute to addictive behaviours, financial mismanagement, or exploitation," he noted.