Eswatini launches Billionaires Gaming Association
The main goals of BGAE include developing policies that protect players, particularly from addiction risks, and ensuring fair operations.
Eswatini.- Eswatini has established a new organisation for the gambling sector, named the Billionaires Gaming Association Eswatini (BGAE), to promote responsible practices in the expanding gambling market and support social and community initiatives.
The association represents licensed gaming and gambling operators in the country. Its name is inspired by a remark from King Mswati III at the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, where he urged citizens to pursue business ventures that could generate significant wealth and called for easier processes to obtain business licences and related documents.
The main goals of BGAE include developing policies that protect players, particularly from addiction risks, and ensuring fair operations. The association plans to set up dedicated counselling and rehabilitation centres in partnership with accredited providers. These centres will offer professional help, family counselling, financial guidance and structured recovery plans for individuals and households affected by problem gambling.
BGAE will also collaborate with law enforcement and security agencies to combat illegal gambling, fraud and cyber threats.
On the social front, the association will support education by equipping schools in remote areas with internet connectivity and digital resources. It will also launch initiatives to empower girls, including mentorship, scholarship opportunities and awareness campaigns, helping them continue their education despite common challenges.
Sandlane Zwane, Founding Chairperson of BGAE and CEO of the Eswatini Lottery, announced the formation of the group. He described the approach as one that addresses gambling harm through prevention, treatment and ongoing recovery.
He said: “We are dedicated to being a force for positive change in Eswatini, aiming to address critical social needs while promoting a responsible and sustainable gaming environment.”
In the future, the association plans to set up funds that Members of Parliament can access for constituency projects. These funds, which would operate outside standard government budgets, would address community needs such as road repairs and small technology businesses for school leavers.
