Eswatini gambling operators seek clarity on self-exclusion policy
Licensed gambling operators in Eswatini have called for greater clarity around self-exclusion rules as the country moves forward with new gambling regulations aimed at strengthening oversight of the sector.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholder consultation on draft regulations designed to support the implementation of Eswatini’s Gaming Control Act. Government officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders gathered at the Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini to review the proposed framework and discuss areas that may require further refinement before the rules are finalised.
One of the main issues raised by operators centred on self-exclusion procedures. Industry representatives questioned how they should handle cases where a customer voluntarily requests to be excluded from gambling but later seeks to return after only a short period of time.
No mandatory exclusion period
Ministry officials acknowledged that the draft rules do not set a fixed period for self-exclusion. As things stand, decisions on when a player can return could be handled individually, a point that several operators said leaves too much room for uncertainty.
The proposed system will work under the Eswatini Gaming Board, which would keep a central register of excluded individuals. Once someone is added to the list, gambling operators would be informed and expected to block that person from taking part in regulated betting and gaming activities.
The proposed rules would allow both gamblers and third parties to request exclusion. Family members or other concerned individuals could therefore apply to have someone added to the register if they believe gambling has become problematic.
Anyone who wishes to gamble again would first need to ask for their exclusion status to be lifted. Until their name is removed from the register, they will remain barred from licensed gambling activities.
The proposed rules also include penalties for those who ignore exclusion orders. Anyone caught entering a gambling venue or placing bets while on the exclusion register could face a fine of up to E2,000 (around $123), a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.
The discussions come as Eswatini’s government faces growing pressure to finalise the country’s gambling regulations amid concerns about regulatory gaps and the continued growth of digital gambling activity. Authorities used the consultation to reiterate that online casino-style gambling remains illegal in Eswatini.
The country’s four licenced gambling operators currently hold bookmaker licences only, meaning they are authorised to offer sports betting services but not online casino games such as slots or virtual table games.
Delays due to unclear rules
Beyond responsible gambling measures, the draft regulations are also intended to address administrative challenges affecting the industry. Nonophile Mavuso, a legal adviser at the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said the absence of clearly defined fees in certain areas has created delays in licence applications and renewals.
According to Mavuso, the proposed regulations include a detailed fee schedule that should improve transparency and streamline licensing procedures. Officials hope the reforms will provide greater certainty for operators while strengthening consumer protections.
However, the consultation process has highlighted that questions remain, particularly around how self-exclusion measures should operate in practice. With the regulations still under review, industry participants are now awaiting further guidance on how the legal framework will evolve.
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