Eswatini senators debate high fees for gambling licenses amid concerns of player exploitation

A workshop organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs of Eswatini took place on September 13, according to Times of Swaziland. The session aimed to brief senators on the Gaming Fee Rules for 2024, which are aligned with Section 70 of the Gaming Control Act of 2022. Minister Jane Mkhonta detailed the various fees, including E400,000 for a casino application, E350,000 for a lottery license, and E1 million for online gambling.

Several senators expressed concern about the high fees, with some questioning whether measures were in place to prevent gambling addiction. They also asked about the countries used as benchmarks for these fees, suggesting that Eswatini’s economic conditions differ from those nations. Senator Chief Prince Mphatfwa, acting chair of the portfolio committee, warned that high fees might lead gambling facilities to shift costs onto customers, potentially exploiting players.

He feared this could lead to unethical practices, such as rigging gaming machines to reduce players' chances of winning. Senator Fezeka Dlamini urged Parliament not to approve the fees unless a Gaming Fund is established to assist gambling addicts. She pointed out that the Gaming Control Act mandates the creation of such a fund, supported by levies from the gaming industry.

The senators stressed the importance of prioritizing the fund, especially given the rise in online gambling. Recent statistics revealed that online gambling in the country increased by 75% over the past year, accounting for 25% of the population.