Eswatini MPs sound alarm over surge in child gambling
The debate centred on the Gaming Control Act 2022, which legalised gambling but has yet to include player protection rules.
Eswatini.- Eswatini’s members of parliament have expressed worries on the issue of increasing rates of gambling in the state, especially among children. During a session in the House of Assembly on December 17, several MPs called for a pause on issuing new gambling licences until regulations are in place. They pointed to reports of minors accessing both physical casinos and online platforms, which they said harm young people’s development and lead to wider social problems.
The debate centred on the Gaming Control Act 2022, which legalised gambling but has yet to include player protection rules. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini asked Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Mkhonta‑Simelane when measures would be implemented to stop those under 18 from gambling. He also raised questions about licences being given to online operators under the cover of bookmaker permits.
Ligongolweni MP Joseph Souza questioned whether the country gains from gambling at all, given the growing number of children involved. He said: “We want an Act that will prohibit children from gambling. Children are future leaders and we should not destroy them.”
Other MPs shared similar views. Lobamba MP Michael Masilela described gambling addiction in children as a growing concern and called for clear rules to handle it. He noted the ministry’s work on comparing approaches with other countries and suggested giving officials time to finish.
Lubombo Regional MP Futhi Ngcamphalala stressed the need for government action to shield children, as minors can still easily reach gambling sites. She proposed working with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology to require ID checks before entry: “We need to engage the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) to ensure that systems are put in place requiring ID verification before accessing gambling sites.”
In response, Mkhonta‑Simelane said her team is committed to safeguarding everyone in the gaming sector, especially children. She explained that the 2022 Act lacks clear regulations, so they are building them from the start. She noted: “I am dealing with an Act from 2022 that does not have gambling regulations, so we are starting afresh. We are working as a team to ensure the regulations are thorough and cover all aspects.”
The minister added that rules should be ready in the 2026/27 financial year and that her office is partnering with telecommunications firms to block children’s access to platforms.
