The George Hotel in Manzini has denied allegations of regulatory non-compliance after 39 gambling machines intended for its planned casino were placed under embargo by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), pending verification under national gaming regulations.
The embargo stems from concerns that the machines may not have fully complied with procedures set out in the Gaming Control Act of 2022, which governs the licensing, importation, and operation of gambling equipment in Eswatini.
However, the hotel’s General Manager, Solomon Bright Kumi, stated that the project has followed a lengthy regulatory process dating back to 2010, when the establishment was granted a provisional license by the Eswatini Gaming Board. He explained that the license was issued with specific conditions, including infrastructure upgrades and operational readiness requirements to be met prior to full casino approval.
According to Kumi, the hotel has fulfilled these obligations by expanding its accommodation capacity to 110 rooms and increasing parking facilities from the required 39 spaces to 142. Following these developments, approval was granted for the importation of gaming machines, with 103 units subsequently installed on the premises.
He further noted that the machines have undergone several inspections by the Gaming Board, including a recent assessment involving a ministerial committee. This process culminated in the issuance of a provisional operational licence valid for two years, although full casino operations have yet to commence.
The project remains in a preparatory phase, with more than 50 individuals currently undergoing training as casino dealers. Upon launch, the hotel anticipates employing approximately 150 staff members, with projections increasing to 300 jobs once the casino becomes fully operational. Management maintains that the project is aligned with broader efforts to strengthen Eswatini’s tourism and entertainment sector, particularly in attracting regional visitors.
Legal adviser Sipho Matse dismissed any connection between the casino project and alleged illegal online gambling activities or recent fraud cases involving foreign nationals. He emphasized that the casino development is a separate, fully regulated initiative and cautioned against linking it to unrelated criminal investigations.
Matse also confirmed that all foreign investors involved in the project have undergone the required vetting processes. The ERS review is still ongoing, and its outcome will determine whether the embargo on the machines will be lifted or if further regulatory measures will be taken.
Source: focusgn.com
