The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the National Lottery and Gambling Commission (NLGC), has announced the immediate termination of the operating licence of Inzozi Lotto (Carousel Ltd), the company that has been running the National Lottery.
The decision, made public on Thursday, October 2, 2025, follows the company’s failure to meet its contractual and regulatory obligations. According to the RDB, the company is no longer authorized to conduct any National Lottery operations in Rwanda.
Despite the termination, RDB assured the public that outstanding winning claims remain the responsibility of Inzozi Lotto (Carousel Ltd). The company is required to settle all valid claims under the close supervision of the RDB and NLGC, a move intended to guarantee fairness, transparency, and compliance with national standards.
“Players who hold outstanding winning claims should remain assured that their rights will be protected. Inzozi Lotto must settle all valid claims, and this process will be strictly monitored,” the statement reads.
RDB also revealed plans to launch a competitive process to identify a new operator or operators for the National Lottery. This recruitment will be carried out under a framework designed to uphold transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of public interest.
The development signals a major reshaping of Rwanda’s gambling and lottery landscape. Analysts note that the transition could attract international players in the gaming industry, provided they meet Rwanda’s strict compliance and operational benchmarks.
In its notice, RDB reminded all companies active in Rwanda’s gambling and gaming sector that strict adherence to laws and regulations is mandatory. The move reflects the government’s broader effort to enhance integrity, consumer protection, and accountability in the gaming industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
Industry observers suggest that this decision could set a new precedent in Rwanda’s approach to regulating gambling firms, underscoring that operators who fail to uphold their obligations risk losing their licences.
The National Lottery in Rwanda has been regarded not only as a source of entertainment but also as a vehicle for raising funds to support national development initiatives. Ensuring credibility and trust in its operations is therefore considered crucial.
By removing Inzozi Lotto from its position and paving the way for a transparent selection of a new operator, the RDB says it aims to restore and safeguard public confidence in the lottery system.
