for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Weeks after over 7,000 unlicensed slot machines were seized throughout Rwanda, the government has begun the dismantling and recycling of these machines. This campaign aims to combat illegal gambling operations while also addressing the environmental concerns related to electronic waste disposal.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is leading this operation in partnership with Enviroserve Rwanda, a specialized e-waste recycling company. Together, they are collecting these machines from various locations, including Kigali and other provinces, and transporting them to facilities where components will be sorted for repurposing or safe treatment.
According to Rwandan gaming regulations, only licensed casinos are permitted to operate slot machines. Most of the illegal ones were confiscated from establishments lacking the necessary licenses to offer gambling, such as unregulated gaming houses, betting shops, and trading centers across the country.
Over 3,500 machines collected so far
Enviroserve has classified the seized slot machines as electronic waste due to their components, which include plastics, cables, and circuit boards that require careful handling.
Olivier Mbera, Country General Manager of Enviroserve Rwanda, stated, “We are currently dealing with around 7,000 slot machines. So far, we’ve collected over 3,500 from Kigali and the Eastern Province. These machines fall under electrical and electronic equipment. They use electricity and contain various components, which is why we’re working with RDB to ensure their proper disposal, as they are not permitted for use in Rwanda.”
The recycling process not only manages hazardous materials but also recovers valuable resources. The waste management team separates harmful substances, such as brominated flame retardants found in certain plastics, to minimize environmental impact.
Reusable metals and plastics are either redirected to local manufacturing or exported for further processing into usable raw materials. “Nothing from the slot machines is wasted. Each part is reused. Steel is used to make steel or iron bars. Copper is reused in the production of cables,” Mbera added.
Foreign companies ordered to remove illegal machines
In addition to seizing over 3,500 machines, the RDB also issued a directive to eight foreign gaming companies demanding the removal of around 1,000 illegal slot machines from the Rwandan market.
Jacques Habyarimana, the RDB official in charge of gaming activities, said: “These companies have been given a three-month deadline, starting in September 2025, to withdraw their machines and repatriate them to countries where they are permitted. By December, none of these machines should remain in Rwanda.”
This initiative is part of a broader campaign that combines strict enforcement with efforts to raise public awareness and provide local skills training. As Enviroserve trains young people in safe dismantling practices, the RDB continues to engage various stakeholders about the new gaming regulations.
Officials believe this approach will help minimize community exposure to unregulated gambling while ensuring that discarded machines do not pose environmental or social risks.
Last month, the government lifted a 13-month-long suspension on gambling licenses, allowing both casino and sports betting operators to apply for licenses under a newly established framework.
Source: Focus Gaming News
