India prohibits online gambling, Rwanda resumes licensing, Montenegro implements new laws
Recent decisions made in India, Rwanda, and Montenegro have fundamentally altered the landscape of the gambling industry in these countries. India is tightening its legislation, completely banning online gambling for real money. Rwanda is resuming the licensing process for operators and introducing new tax conditions. Montenegro is implementing a digital monitoring system and strict requirements for online operators.
India passes bill banning online gambling for real money
The upper house of India's parliament has approved a bill that prohibits all forms of real-money gambling in the country. This follows the recent passage of the Online Gambling Promotion and Regulation Act 2025 by the lower house.
The document prohibits the offering, operation, advertising, and participation in online games for money. Companies that offer fantasy sports and card games with deposits and monetary risks are affected.
Advertising games of chance can result in penalties including up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 50 lakh rupees (approximately $57,300). In the event of repeat offenses, more severe penalties will be imposed, including a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 2 crore rupees (approximately equivalent to $229,200).
The bill also stipulates the establishment of a national online gaming regulator. Its duties include the classification and registration of games, as well as the determination of games involving monetary transactions. It is also responsible for the review of complaints and the issuance of rules and codes of practice.
The document must be signed by the president to take effect. Should this occur, the government will implement a ban on all forms of online gambling, including betting, lotteries, social casinos, and skill games. Advertising for gambling will be prohibited from the media, social networks, and digital platforms. Financial institutions will be obligated to restrict payments associated with these games.
The bill's adoption coincided with a recent increase in taxes on online gambling: the value-added tax (VAT) rate rose from 28% to 40%, one of the highest in the world. Part of the motivation behind the ban is a growing social concern; in April 2025, there were a reported seven deaths stemming from gambling, mostly suicides due to gambling debt.
Critics of the ban have expressed their belief that it will not solve the problem. It could also potentially disrupt the regulated market, thereby creating more opportunities for illegal operators and weakening player protection. Based on observations of other countries, it is evident that strict restrictions frequently result in the anticipated outcome.
Rwanda resumes licensing process for new and existing gambling operators
The Rwanda Gaming Authority has resumed the licensing process for new and existing operators after a year-long hiatus due to a review of the legal and regulatory framework.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has confirmed that it is accepting expressions of interest (EOI) from operators of land-based casinos, online casinos, and betting companies. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2025.
In June 2024, licensing was suspended in order to conduct a thorough review of the policy and consult with relevant market participants. This regulation impacted both new operators and those seeking to renew their licenses.
While the new rules are being developed, existing laws remain in force, including Law No. 58/2011 on gambling, the 2023 order on sanctions, and other regulations. Licensed companies are required to resume paying annual regulatory fees.
Operators are now subject to a new tax system approved in May 2025. The gambling tax rate has increased from 13% to 40%.
There are currently more than 30 companies registered in the country, including bookmakers, online platforms, and lotteries. The RDB aims to attract new participants and stimulate the development of the casino and interactive gaming segments.
The licensing process is expected to be the first stage of large-scale reforms, including updating the 2011 law to reflect current economic and digital realities. The reforms aim to strengthen control, improve player protection, and increase the industry's contribution to the state budget.
New gambling legislation comes into force in Montenegro
Montenegro has adopted new gambling legislation with the aim of protecting public health and increasing the industry's contribution to the country's economy.
The previous system has been replaced by licensing with real-time digital monitoring. To ensure the integrity of the competition, mandatory identification and video verification of players has been introduced.
Online operators will be subject to a 10% tax on net profits, and winnings exceeding €300 will be subject to a 15% income tax. The new law aligns with the standards set by international organizations, such as the Council of Europe, to combat money laundering and enhance transparency. However, some market participants have expressed concerns that the provisions regarding criminal liability and potential license revocation could potentially lead to industry destabilization.
Over the past two years, the authorities have already taken a number of measures: they have banned offshore betting platforms, restricted online payments, and tightened transaction rules. The original proposal to only accept cash deposits was subsequently abandoned in light of feedback from industry representatives.
The license fee for casinos has also been increased to €100,000. New restrictions on advertising have been introduced. Advertising is prohibited on television and radio from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and promotions promising guaranteed winnings are completely banned.
