Eswatini gambling firms step up responsible gaming amid addiction concerns
MulaSport has introduced features such as self-exclusion and deposit limits.
Eswatini.- Gambling companies in Eswatini are expanding responsible gambling initiatives as mounting concerns over addiction, debt and related social issues prompt calls for stronger protections. The shift comes amid rapid growth in online betting and mobile gaming, which critics say has intensified harmful gambling behaviour across the country.
Industry players highlight tools and programmes designed to help customers manage their betting activity and prevent excessive losses. Local betting platform MulaSport has introduced features such as self-exclusion and deposit limits, allowing users to cap spending over set periods and activate temporary “cooling-off” breaks for their accounts.
eBet has likewise underscored its commitment to player protection, collaborating with law enforcement to address gambling-linked crime, including theft, fraud and unpaid debts. eBet’s marketing manager says the company plans to launch a dedicated helpline to support customers struggling with addiction, offering guidance, referrals and emotional assistance.
Government authorities have acknowledged the broader societal impact of gambling. The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs reported receiving requests from citizens seeking to be excluded from gambling facilities due to addiction, with officials sharing identifiers of such individuals with operators to enforce exclusions. Plans are also underway to mandate customer registration using national identity documents, aimed at deterring underage gambling and enhancing industry oversight.
Despite these moves, enforcement challenges persist. Authorities note that many mobile numbers used to access betting platforms are registered in adults’ names but used by minors, complicating verification efforts. The ministry has urged parents and guardians to actively monitor children’s device use, emphasising that protecting youth from harm is not solely a government responsibility.
Parliamentarians have expressed concern about the normalisation of gambling, particularly among young people exposed to pervasive betting advertisements. Some lawmakers have called for a freeze on new gambling licences until comprehensive regulations are finalised, warning that unregulated online platforms may expose vulnerable groups to heightened risk.
As Eswatini’s operators continue to balance market growth with social protection, stakeholders are pushing for more robust regulatory frameworks and public education to mitigate the harm associated with gambling.
