Eswatini Mandates National ID Verification for All Gambling Operators
Eswatini gambling operators must now register clients using national identity documents under new regulations from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Meanwhile, the requirement targets prevention of underage gambling and enforcement of responsible gaming practices.
Online Gambling Monitoring System Addresses Regulatory Gaps
The House of Assembly approved a motion in September 2025 establishing a centralized system for monitoring online gambling operators. Therefore, the decision addresses gaps in the 2022 Gaming Act, which primarily covers land-based casinos and bookmakers. Moreover, the motion specifies that online operators must implement age and identity verification mechanisms. Consequently, Parliament requested an implementation timeline to ensure swift enforcement of protective measures.
Officials identified challenges where mobile numbers registered under elderly family members are used by school children. Meanwhile, parents face calls to actively monitor children’s device usage. Concerns emerged that students using mobile devices for academic research could be drawn into gambling activities. Therefore, the ministry emphasizes shared responsibility between government oversight and parental vigilance.
Comprehensive Framework Targets Youth Protection
The regulatory framework combines government oversight with family-level responsibility for protecting minors from gambling harm. Subsequently, the ministry urges citizens to take precautions, starting within homes. Moreover, officials acknowledge that not everything can or should be monitored by government. Therefore, citizen responsibility remains essential for effective youth protection.
The measures represent decisive steps toward a safer gambling environment, combining regulatory enforcement with parental monitoring. Meanwhile, the Gaming Board assumes oversight responsibilities for all gaming activities, including addiction support and anti-money laundering compliance. Consequently, Eswatini establishes comprehensive protection mechanisms addressing both land-based and online gambling platforms through coordinated regulatory and community-based approaches.
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