Eswatini betting operators expand responsible-gaming tools as Parliament calls for tougher safeguards

Local firms say they are rolling out deposit limits, “cooling-off” breaks and self-exclusion options as lawmakers and the tourism ministry push toward ID-based verification to curb underage and problem gambling.

Concerns about gambling addiction and youth exposure have sharpened in Eswatini after a recent House of Assembly debate in which MPs urged the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs to stop issuing gambling licences until clearer regulations are in place. During the December 18 sitting, MPs warned that addiction is worsening, singled out online products such as Aviator as especially harmful, and pressed for an ID-verification gatekeeper to keep minors off betting platforms. The minister said the country is working from a 2022 Act that lacked implementing regulations, with rules expected to be finalised in the 2026/27 financial year, and confirmed cooperation with telecom companies to address children’s access.

The ministry has also previously said it is embarking on a system requiring gaming companies to register all clients using national ID documents, citing underage gambling risks and the need for stronger oversight. In parallel, the government has described additional measures aimed at blocking under-18 access via “secondary” mobile wallet numbers, while proposing mandatory player-protection tools, public education on gambling addiction and a rehabilitation fund, with draft regulations reportedly already under stakeholder review.

Against that backdrop, operators are increasingly highlighting in-product controls. Focus Gaming News reported on January 26 that local platform MulaSport introduced features such as self-exclusion, deposit limits and temporary “cooling-off” breaks to help customers cap spend and pause play. The same report said eBet is preparing a dedicated helpline for customers struggling with addiction, alongside broader player-protection messaging, while the operator’s own responsible-gambling guidance encourages limits and offers customers the option to request a break from play via support channels.

With political pressure rising and new rules still being finalised, Eswatini’s next test will be whether ID-based controls, telecom-level safeguards and real support services can be implemented consistently across both mobile and retail betting—before harm trends become harder to reverse.