eBet plans new measures to tackle youth gambling in Eswatini
The announcement comes amid growing concern over the social consequences of online gambling in Eswatini.
Eswatini.- Eswatini betting operator eBet is moving closer to introducing fresh interventions to support individuals affected by harmful gambling practices, with a particular emphasis on protecting young people from the risks linked to online betting.
Speaking in Mbabane, eBet Chief Executive Officer Sibonginkosi Lukhele said the company’s planned measures are aimed at the general public but place a strong focus on youth, who are becoming increasingly vulnerable to addictive betting behaviours picked up through mobile platforms. The initiatives include establishing support services such as a dedicated helpline, expanding public awareness campaigns on responsible gaming and working with community institutions like the Mbabane Municipal Council to develop suitable responses for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over the social consequences of online gambling in Eswatini, where the rapid expansion of mobile and internet betting has outpaced regulatory safeguards. Recent parliamentary debates have highlighted rising problem gambling among minors, often facilitated through mobile wallet accounts registered in adults’ names. Members of Parliament have urged the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs to suspend new gambling licences until stricter protections against underage access are fully implemented.
Government proposals now underway include blocking “secondary” mobile wallet numbers linked to individuals under the age of 18 and coordinating with telecoms and betting operators to enforce age verification. Draft regulations are also being finalised that would require licensed operators to adopt player-protection tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion features. Minister Jane Simelane has also announced upcoming nationwide campaigns to raise awareness of problem gambling.
The urgency of these interventions is underscored by the scale of online betting participation in the country. Official figures show registered online gaming users have surged significantly over recent years. Social advocates and policymakers stress that protecting vulnerable groups, particularly youths, will require a combination of regulatory enforcement, industry accountability and community-level education to address the rising harms associated with digital gambling.
