Eswatini reports gambling revenue of E26.1m in 2025
The revenue comes from levies and fees paid by approved gambling companies and goes toward government programmes in tourism and environmental affairs.
Eswatini.- Eswatini has recorded gambling revenue of E26.1m (€1.32m) in 2025 from licensed operators. The information was disclosed by Jane Simelane, Minster of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, while presenting an industry update to members of parliament at the House of Assembly’s final sitting of the year in Mbabane.
According to Simelane, the revenue comes from levies and fees paid by approved gambling companies and goes toward government programmes in tourism and environmental affairs.
Simelane said the ministry is working on new gaming control regulations to improve oversight of the sector. The rules will focus on responsible gambling practices suited to Eswatini’s population and economy. She noted: “We continue to work on the regulations. They will be finalised in the next two years, around 2026 to 2027.”
Parliament members welcomed the revenue update but expressed concerns about the lack of full regulations. Several called for a stop to new gambling licences until the rules are ready. Other lawmakers highlighted problems with online betting. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini pointed out that some online operators hold bookmaker licences meant only for horse and dog racing, not digital games. He said this mismatch creates gaps in oversight.
Online betting continues to grow in Eswatini: earlier data reveals levies of more than E 9 million (€453,000) in bookmaker levies, with quarterly collections showing a steady rise.
As the country weighs the financial benefits of gambling against social risks, the coming regulations will play a key role in shaping the industry’s future and protecting citizens.
