Rwanda's regulator has suspended Baron Sports Gaming Ltd, which operated under the Forzza brand, for repeatedly offering casino games outside the scope of its licence. The company must cease all operations in the country immediately and remove advertising materials.
The suspension followed multiple breaches: Forzza held a licence covering sports betting only, but the operator also offered casino games. The Rwanda Development Board warned that continued activity during the suspension would trigger further sanctions. Baron Sports told The New Times it was surprised by the decision and had received no explanation from the regulator.
The suspension reduces the number of licensed operators in Rwanda from 15 to 14. In early October three new entrants received licences: ForteBet and Betway (a Super Group brand) for sports betting and online casino, and ElephantBet for betting only.
RDB chief operations officer Serge Nyombayire said attracting operators of Betway's calibre is a priority for the emerging market. 'Companies like Betway have proven their experience in other countries, and their approach to business is considered exemplary in many respects,' he said. 'For us, it shows that Rwanda is doing everything possible to welcome such players.'
The regulator expects international operators with proven practices to help shape new gambling legislation. RDB intends to use their data and experience for benchmarking. 'We believe in a sector where the regulator and operators exchange information and learn from each other,' Nyombayire said.
