In a decisive move to curb underage participation in online gambling, Eswatini has introduced a set of measures aimed at blocking minors from accessing these platforms. The government has placed a particular focus on mobile wallet accounts, which are frequently used to circumvent age restrictions.
Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Mkhonta‑Simelane addressed the House of Assembly, highlighting the collaborative efforts between gaming operators and telecom companies. The initiative seeks to disable secondary wallet numbers that are registered under the names of children below the age of 18. Many of these accounts, she elaborated, are set up by guardians, inadvertently granting minors access to betting platforms. This action aligns with the principles set out in the Gaming Control Act of 2022, coupled with the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2012, both of which advocate for responsible gambling practices.
The draft regulations, which are already under stakeholder review, aim to fortify the frameworks supporting responsible gambling. Mkhonta‑Simelane assured the House that her ministry is advancing new rules that will require the use of mandatory player-protection tools. Additionally, the establishment of a rehabilitation fund is planned, necessitating concrete policy guidelines and adequate financial backing. Public education campaigns will play a crucial role in raising awareness about the risks of gambling addiction, its warning signs, and the available support services.
According to the minister, these draft regulations have been finalized and are awaiting stakeholder feedback. Once these regulations are enacted, they are projected to bring about consistency, transparency, and stricter oversight within the industry. Mkhonta‑Simelane remarked that Eswatini’s strategy is informed by comparative studies of other regions, citing South Africa’s adoption of a free‑market model and Botswana’s tendering system after conducting thorough market research.
In summarizing her statement, Mkhonta‑Simelane touched upon seven critical areas: the issuance of online betting licenses, the regulatory framework, fee structures, safeguarding minors, supporting individuals with addiction issues, and establishing a deadline for new licenses given the limited size of Eswatini’s economy. She emphasized the current reliance on the bookmaker provision for issuing licenses and mentioned ongoing stakeholder engagement to clarify the various license categories under the Act. These discussions are part of broader efforts to legitimize gaming services within the industry.
However, the minister’s statement sparked a debate in the House. Welcome Dlamini, the MP for Mbabane East, challenged the procedural validity of her comments, pointing out that the issue was already under discussion through a motion. He suggested that presenting a statement while the motion was pending might be perceived as bypassing formal legislative procedures. The Speaker, Jabulani Mabuza, intervened to clarify that while the minister’s statement was permissible, it did not absolve her from addressing the motion. He noted that a similar motion had been withdrawn from the Notice Paper, slightly easing the procedural tension.
Adding to the discourse, Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo defended the minister, noting that her remarks encompassed multiple related issues and did not contravene any rules. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the minister was still obligated to respond to the original motion.
This development in Eswatini’s regulatory landscape reflects a broader trend seen globally, where jurisdictions are increasingly tightening controls around online gambling to protect vulnerable populations, particularly minors. The introduction of these measures by Eswatini is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for stringent regulation in the online gaming sector, a sentiment echoed by many industry observers. While the new regulations are likely to enhance the integrity of the gambling sector and protect at-risk individuals, they also present challenges, particularly in balancing regulation with the economic benefits derived from the gaming industry.
Critics may argue that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and competitiveness in the market, potentially driving some operators to relocate to more lenient jurisdictions. On the other hand, proponents assert that such measures are essential to ensure that the industry’s growth does not come at the expense of public welfare.
Eswatini’s approach, which draws on international best practices and local context, aims to strike a balance between fostering a thriving gaming industry and safeguarding its citizens. As the country moves forward with these regulations, it will be crucial to monitor their impact closely and make necessary adjustments to ensure that they effectively address the challenges they aim to tackle. The coming months will reveal how these regulations shape the future of online gambling in Eswatini and whether they can serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar issues.
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