ESWATINI – Members of Eswatini’s Parliament have called for tighter oversight of gambling operators, stronger responsible gambling measures, and increased efforts to combat illegal online gambling activities in the country.
The concerns were raised during a Portfolio Committee debate reviewing the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs’ second-quarter performance report on November 4.
During the session, Welcome Dlamini, Member of Parliament for Mbabane East, questioned how frequently gambling operators are audited and what enforcement actions are taken against operators found to be violating regulatory requirements. He therefore called for a greater transparency and accountability within the sector.
Similarly, Charles Ndlovu, MP for Ngudzeni, urged authorities to strengthen licensing requirements by ensuring operators implement clear measures aimed at preventing gambling addiction. He noted that Parliament had previously requested details on responsible gambling obligations that operators must meet to reduce gambling-related harm.
Concerns were also raised about the increasing accessibility of gambling, particularly through mobile betting platforms. Thandeka Mavuso, MP for the Manzini Region, warned that mobile gambling allows individuals, especially young people, to place bets discreetly, increasing the risk of problematic gambling behaviour.
Mavuso further highlighted the dangers of gambling addiction, noting that dependency can affect individuals across all age groups and may become difficult to overcome once established. She called on the government to clarify what counselling, treatment, and support services are available for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.
