Eswatini Parliament Calls for Online Gambling Oversight
Eswatini’s House of Assembly has approved a motion demanding centralized monitoring of online gambling platforms, highlighting regulatory gaps that allow digital betting operations to function without proper oversight in the kingdom.
Legislative Gap Leaves Digital Gaming Unregulated
The motion, proposed by Charles Ndlovu, Ngudzeni Member of Parliament, requests Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Simelane to establish a monitoring framework preventing underage gambling access and supporting addiction treatment. Current legislation creates significant regulatory blind spots for digital gambling operations. Marwick Khumalo, Lobamba Lomdzala MP, clarified the legal situation during parliamentary debate.
“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,” Khumalo explained. The Gaming Act of 2022 addresses traditional bookmakers but contains no provisions for online platforms, allowing digital betting services to operate without adequate supervision across sports and casino gaming sectors.
Social Impact Drives Parliamentary Action
Lawmakers shared concerns about gambling’s effects on Eswatini families and communities. Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini supported the motion, citing substantial participation statistics. “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,” Dlamini stated.
Parliamentary discussions emphasized protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. “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 warned. Minister Simelane must submit a progress report within two months detailing implementation plans, timelines, and stakeholder consultations with operators and support organizations to address these regulatory challenges.
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