Eswatini's online gaming industry grows by 75% in 12 months

Eswatini has witnessed a significant surge in online gambling, with the number of participants increasing by at least 75% within just one year, as reported by the Times of Swaziland.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs reveals that registered online gaming users jumped from 220,000 in April 2023, with 60,000 active users, to 385,000 registered users and 73,000 active users by April 2024. This sharp rise of 165,000 users represents a 75% increase over the 12-month period. Remarkably, these registered online gaming users now account for at least 25% of the country's total population.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the ministry collected over E9 million in levies from bookmakers and E48,000 in annual licence fees. During the same period, the Gaming and Licensing Board received four new applications for online gaming, two of which were approved.

Eswatini currently hosts at least four online gaming platforms: MulaSport, eBet, 8Bet, and the newly introduced DiskiBet.

The Gaming Fees Rules 2023, issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, require a significant investment of E1 million for obtaining an online gaming licence in Eswatini. This fee is designed to regulate the licensing process and ensure operator compliance.

Measures to promote responsible gambling practices, job creation and financial literacy are crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of online gambling on individuals, families, and communities, affirms the news agency, commenting on these data points.