KIGALI - The Minister of Trade and Industry, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, yesterday, told Parliament that gaming activities will attract more tourists in the country.

Nsanzabaganwa made the remarks while presenting a draft legislation that will regulate the gaming industry, before the Chamber of Deputies.

She said that most tourists enjoy such games, adding that, currently 90 percent of participants in the gaming industry are tourists.

"Gaming in its various forms including; Casinos, Bingo, cash dispensing machines and others, are favored by many tourists. We need this industry to attract more tourists in the country and make Kigali livelier to visitors,” she said.

Nsanzabaganwa added that since the introduction of gaming in the country, there has been a vacuum in terms of regulation, and that it was high time a gaming law was enacted.

In response to a majority of MPs who were pessimistic on the benefits of gaming to the society, likely risks, and immoral aspects that may arise, the minister said these issues were considered in drafting the legislation.

"With a body to monitor it (gaming), the activities will be conducted in a organized manner,” Nsanzabaganwa said, noting that there are plans to establish the Rwanda Gaming Advisory Board, which will regulate the sector.

She pointed out that the draft law provides for protection of vulnerable social groups such as the poor, women, and young children who may suffer as a result of gaming.

The minister noted that the draft law prohibits the advertisement of gaming in poor communities as well as the participation of persons under the age of 18 years.

The draft law will now be scrutinised by a special committee before submission for approval.

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