Eswatini is being urged to strengthen measures aimed at addressing the social risks associated with the rapid growth of online gambling, following concerns raised in Parliament over gambling addiction, underage access and the impact of gambling-related financial losses on families.
The concerns come as online gambling becomes increasingly accessible through smartphones and mobile money services, making betting available to users without the need to visit traditional betting shops or gaming venues.
One issue highlighted in recent parliamentary discussions is the low number of gamblers who have sought self-exclusion from gambling activities despite growing concerns about gambling-related harm.
Self-exclusion is intended to provide individuals who believe their gambling has become problematic with a mechanism to restrict or prevent their access to gambling services. However, the limited uptake has raised questions about whether gamblers are sufficiently aware of the measure and whether existing support and exclusion mechanisms are accessible and trusted by those who need them.
The development has also renewed discussions about the balance between gambling revenue and consumer protection. While gambling contributes to government revenue through licensing, taxes and other related payments, concerns over addiction, financial hardship and the impact on families highlight the need for responsible gambling measures to remain a central part of the sector’s development.
Parliament has reportedly heard concerns about individuals losing significant amounts of money through gambling and spending extended periods at betting venues. There have also been reports of young people accessing gambling services and, in some instances, taking money from guardians to support gambling activities.
The increasing availability of online gambling has further complicated efforts to protect minors. Mobile wallets registered in the names of adults can potentially create a pathway for underage users to access betting platforms, highlighting gaps that may not be adequately addressed through traditional age-verification measures.
Government has acknowledged some of these challenges and is considering measures involving secondary wallets and stronger controls to prevent minors from accessing gambling services.
The growth of mobile betting means that gambling can now take place remotely and at any time, reducing some of the barriers that previously limited access to physical gambling venues. This has increased the importance of effective digital safeguards, particularly for children and other vulnerable users.
The Gaming Control Act of 2022 provides a regulatory foundation for Eswatini’s gambling sector, but the rapid expansion of online gambling has created new challenges that require continued regulatory attention.
As the government works towards finalizing regulations for the online gambling environment, stronger age-verification requirements, effective monitoring mechanisms and meaningful enforcement measures will be important in reducing the risk of minors accessing gambling platforms.
Operators also have a responsibility to ensure that their platforms incorporate appropriate safeguards and responsible gambling tools. These should include clear information about self-exclusion, accessible mechanisms for users to restrict their gambling activity, and effective measures to identify and prevent underage participation.
The developments highlight the need for Eswatini to take a broader approach to evaluating the growth of its gambling industry. While economic contributions remain relevant, the sustainability of the sector should also be measured by its ability to protect consumers and minimize gambling-related harm.
Strengthening responsible gambling measures, improving public awareness of self-exclusion and closing regulatory gaps around mobile and online betting will be important steps as Eswatini’s gambling market continues to evolve.
The focus, ultimately, should be on ensuring that the expansion of online gambling does not outpace the safeguards designed to protect the public, particularly children and individuals vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
