Eswatini investigates The George Hotel over alleged unauthorised gaming equipment
The machines were imported and installed by Macau Investments (PTY) LTD, a company that is not the licensed operator of the premises.
Eswatini.- Eswatini authorities have launched an investigation into alleged illegal gambling activities at The George Hotel in Manzini, following the discovery of 39 gaming machines believed to have been operating without approval.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs disclosed the development in submissions to a parliamentary portfolio committee during its recent budget review. According to the Ministry, the machines were imported and installed by Macau Investments (PTY) LTD, a company that is not the licensed operator of the premises. This arrangement is in breach of provisions of the country’s Gaming Control Act of 2022, which regulates the ownership and operation of gambling equipment.
Under the law, only duly licensed operators are permitted to own, install and operate gambling equipment. The Eswatini Revenue Service initially seized the machines before placing them under embargo. Although the equipment remains on-site, it is not permitted for use.
The Ministry stated that while the hotel holds a provisional licence from the Gaming Board, the involvement of a third-party importer triggered compliance concerns. Lawmakers were urged to conduct an on-site inspection to verify the status of the casino operations, confirm enforcement of the embargo and establish the role of Macau Investments. A report is expected within 14 days after parliamentary adoption of the committee’s findings.
The case falls within broader concerns over rising illegal gambling activity in the country. Recent investigations are linked to a separate operation at Castle Hotel, where more than 80 foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly running an illegal gambling and fraud network.
