Eswatini Parliament Approves Motion to Legalize Online Gambling

The House of Assembly in Eswatini has passed a motion to establish a centralized system for monitoring and regulating online gambling operators, addressing a gap in the 2022 Gaming Act that only covers land-based casinos and bookmakers.

Eswatini’s lawmakers have taken a historic step by approving a motion that paves the way for the legalization and regulation of online gambling. The initiative was introduced after legislators highlighted a loophole in the Gaming Act 2022, which regulates physical gambling venues but leaves online platforms outside official oversight.

The motion tasks the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, with presenting a full legalization plan within two months. This plan will include consultations with licensed operators, civil society, and support groups for people struggling with gambling addiction.

During debate, members of parliament emphasized both economic opportunities and social challenges linked to online gambling. MP Charles Ndlovu pointed to the need for responsible regulation to protect minors and prevent addiction. MP Welcome Dlamini noted that the country already has more than 380,000 registered online players and cited cases where problem gambling has led to family breakdowns and divorces.

Currently, only land-based casinos and traditional bookmakers are licensed in Eswatini. The move toward online regulation marks a turning point in the kingdom’s gambling industry, potentially opening the door to new revenues while reinforcing consumer protection.