Eswatini moves to regulate online gambling platforms
Lobamba Lomdzala MP explained that the Gaming Act of 2022 makes no mention of online platforms, and that licences from the ministry cover traditional bookmakers but stop short of digital services.
Eswatini.- Lawmakers in the Kingdom of Eswatini have approved a motion calling for a centralised system to monitor online gambling platforms. The decision was passed during a recent session of the House of Assembly.
The motion, proposed by Charles Ndlovu, Ngudzeni Member of Parliament, urges Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Simelane to implement a monitoring framework aimed at preventing underage access to gambling activities and providing support for individuals struggling with addiction.
Ndlovu pointed to the dangers of children becoming involved in gambling early, warning that it can have long-term consequences, including emotional distress and poor money habits. He said: “Children’s early exposure to gambling increases their risk of addiction, their health and social harms like neglect and crime. They lack exposure to financial management and protection, which can lead to psychological and emotional distress.”
As the House debated the proposal, Marwick Khumalo, Lobamba Lomdzala MP, stepped in with a key reminder about the rules on the books. He explained that the Gaming Act of 2022, which guides the country’s betting industry, makes no mention of online platforms, and that licences from the ministry cover traditional bookmakers but stop short of digital services.
Khumalo told the chamber: “The ministry issued licences for bookmaker’s licence, not online gambling. I am saying this because I do not want the Minister, while compiling the report, to include things that are not catered for in the legislation and mislead the House.”
This legal oversight leaves a void, allowing companies to offer online betting on a wide range of activities, including sports and casino games, without adequate supervision. Recent discussions in the Senate have touched on similar issues, including steep fees for licences that some fear could drive activity underground rather than regulate it. Earlier this year, a separate motion called for quick amendments to the Gaming Act to address these loopholes.
The lawmakers also shared stories of how betting is hitting home, turning small wagers into real hardships. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, who backed Ndlovu’s motion, described the ripple effects of gambling on everyday lives. He said: “There are over 380,000 registered online gamblers in the country, which is a huge number. Irresponsible gambling not only breaks families, but it causes financial hardships, leading to divorces at times.”
As per the new motion, Minister Simelane is required to submit a progress report to Parliament within two months, detailing plans, deadlines and stakeholder consultations with gambling operators and support groups.
The debate signals a turning point for Eswatini, where land-based casinos and lotteries are licensed but online betting operates in a grey area.
