Eswatini's Gaming Control Board issues warning against unlicensed slot machines

The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, through the Eswatini Gaming Control Board, has issued a warning about the rise in illegal gambling activities, particularly involving unlicensed slot machines placed outside retail outlets. These machines have raised concerns among authorities due to their accessibility to minors and their violation of the recently enacted Gaming Control Act of 2024.

Under the new law, operating gambling activities without a proper license and outside designated gaming venues is a criminal offense. The Act aims to regulate gambling practices to protect public interests and specifically prevent minors from engaging with gaming machines, as outlined in Section 6.

In response to these violations, the Ministry has ordered all individuals and businesses operating unlicensed slot machines to dispose of them immediately. To enforce compliance, the Ministry will conduct nationwide inspections in collaboration with various stakeholders to identify and confiscate illegal machines.

Failure to comply with these directives will lead to severe penalties for offenders. This crackdown underscores Eswatini's commitment to maintaining a regulated and lawful gambling environment, ensuring that all gaming activities adhere to established legal standards.