Eswatini has approved a motion to commence the regulation of online gambling operators.
A motion has been passed by legislators in the Kingdom of Eswatini to establish a centralized system for monitoring online gambling platforms, as concerns regarding problem gambling continue to escalate. This decision was made during a recent session of the House of Assembly, during which the urgency of the matter was underscored.
The motion, which was introduced by Charles Ndlovu, the Member of Parliament for Ngudzeni, urges Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Simelane to establish a framework that is designed to prevent juvenile individuals from participating in gambling activities.
Additionally, it endeavors to provide assistance to individuals who are grappling with wagering addiction. Ndlovu emphasized the negative consequences of early exposure to gambling, warning that it could result in long-term consequences such as emotional distress and unhealthy financial practices.
“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,” Ndlovu stated.
Marwick Khumalo, the Member of Parliament for Lobamba Lomdzala, emphasized a critical lacuna in the existing legislation during the House’s discussions on the new motion. He emphasized that the Gaming Act of 2022, which governs the wagering industry in Eswatini, does not encompass online platforms. This implies that traditional bookmakers are licensed, but there is no provision for digital services, resulting in a substantial oversight.
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The ministry issued licenses for bookmakers, not for online wagering. “I am stating this because I do not wish for the Minister to include items that are not addressed in the legislation and mislead the House while compiling the report,” he informed the Chamber.
Khumalo reminded legislators that online gambling activities are not regulated by current laws and should not be included in any report compiled by the minister. This legal gap has enabled companies to provide a diverse selection of online betting options, such as sports and casino activities, without the necessary oversight or regulation.
These concerns have been reiterated in recent Senate discussions, with some officials cautioning that the imposition of high licensing fees could result in the undergrounding of gambling operations rather than their integration into a regulated framework.
Another motion earlier this year advocated for the immediate implementation of amendments to the Gaming Act to address these loopholes and guarantee a secure gambling environment. The influence of gambling in Eswatini is becoming more apparent, as legislators have disclosed that the country has more than 380,000 registered online gamblers.
The motion proposed by Ndlovu was supported by Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, who shared alarming anecdotes about the impact of gambling on families and individuals. He declared, “Irresponsible gambling not only disrupts families but also results in financial difficulties, which may result in divorces.”
