The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the suspension of Baron Sports Gaming Ltd, known as Forzza, effectively halting all of its operations in Rwanda. This decision, communicated on Thursday, mandates Forzza to remove all advertising and promotional content related to its services.
The action follows findings that Forzza had been offering casino-style games, which are outside the scope of its licensed activities. An RDB spokesperson confirmed to iGB that Forzza's current license solely permits sports betting.
The RDB cautioned that additional enforcement action could be taken against Forzza if it disregards the suspension and continues operations.
In a statement to The New Times, a local newspaper, Forzza expressed its surprise over the regulatory decision, noting that it had not received any explanation from the RDB regarding the reasons for its suspension.
The suspension impacts Rwanda’s gambling market, which has seen 15 licensed operators, including a national lottery, according to RDB Chief Operating Officer Serge Nyombayire. With Forzza's license revoked, the total decreases to 14.
Rwanda recently opened its licensing process, resulting in three new operators authorized just this month: ForteBet and Super Group’s Betway brand for online sports betting and casino, along with ElephantBet for online sports betting.
Nyombayire highlighted the significance of attracting established operators like Betway in propelling the sector forward. He remarked, "Companies like Betway have proven their experience elsewhere, and their way of doing business has been seen as the proper way in so many aspects."
He added that engaging operators with international experience can aid Rwanda in developing its future gambling legislation by providing valuable insights and practices.
“We believe in a sector that is interactive, that can exchange information from us as a regulator, but also we hope a lot from this type of operator. We believe it will be a very good way to learn from each other,” he concluded.
