Eswatini authorises ID verification to protect the youth
Eswatini’s gambling industry is entering a new phase of regulation. Operators are now required to register clients using national identity (ID) documents. The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs announced the measure to combat underage gambling and encourage responsible gaming across the country.
The Gaming Board will oversee the implementation of this directive. It is currently consulting operators who possess the technology to support the new system. The board will supervise all gaming activities, focusing on preventing underage gambling, managing levies, and addressing addiction and money laundering.
Ministry calls for parental vigilance
“The ministry takes this opportunity to urge all emaSwati to take precautions to protect their children from harm, starting within the home. It is not everything that can or should be monitored by government, hence the need for all citizens to bear their responsibilities – it is the right thing to do,” the ministry stated, according to Times of Eswatini.
Officials emphasised the issue of mobile numbers registered under parents but used by younger children. They urged parents to be more vigilant with monitoring device usage to prevent unauthorised access to gambling platforms.
Rising concern over student gambling
Cases of schoolchildren engaging in gambling continue to rise, sparking public concern. Gilgal Member of Parliament Sifiso Gadlela raised the issue during a debate on the ministry’s second-quarter performance report.
Gadlela warned that children using mobile devices for schoolwork could easily be tempted to gamble instead of studying. His remarks formed part of the ministry’s formal submissions during the debate.
Regulating online gambling platforms
In response to these growing concerns, Eswatini is intensifying its efforts to regulate gambling, particularly in the online space. Last month, the House of Assembly passed a motion to create a centralised system to monitor online gambling operators.
The 2022 Gaming Act primarily focused on land-based casinos, leaving a gap in regulating online activities. The new motion addresses this by requiring online operators to introduce age and identity verification systems, providing greater protection for minors.
Eswatini’s framework for responsible gaming
The motion, introduced by MP Charles Ndlovu, urges Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane to develop a framework to prevent underage gambling. It also calls for measures to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Parliament has asked the ministry to set a timeline for implementing these measures to ensure prompt action. With the new ID registration requirement and the proposed online monitoring system, Eswatini is taking the proper steps to protect the youth and promote responsible gaming across the nation.
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