Online bingo in Eswatini currently operates without specific legal regulation or oversight. The Gaming Act of 2022 addresses traditional bookmakers and land-based casinos but contains no provisions for online gambling platforms, including online bingo (1). This regulatory gap allows digital betting services to function across the kingdom without adequate government supervision or licensing requirements (1).
Eswatini's House of Assembly has approved a motion demanding centralized monitoring of online gambling platforms to address the legislative vacuum (1)(2). The motion requests the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, through the Gaming Board, to establish a framework regulating access to online bingo and other online gambling activities (2). Minister Jane Simelane must present a progress report to Parliament within two months detailing implementation plans, timelines, and stakeholder consultations (2).
"The ministry issued licences for bookmaker's licence, not online gambling. I am saying this because I do not want the Minister, while compiling the report, to include things that are not catered for in the legislation and mislead the House."
The push for regulation stems from concerns about online bingo and gambling's social impact on Eswatini families. Lawmakers have disclosed that over 380,000 registered online gamblers operate in the country, raising concerns about addiction, financial hardships, and family disruptions (1). The regulatory framework aims to prevent underage access to online bingo platforms and provide support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction while establishing proper oversight mechanisms (2).
Source:
https://africangambit.com/eswatini-parliament-calls-for-online-gambling-oversight/
https://parliament.gov.sz/houseofassembly/order_paper/docs/ORDER%20PAPER%2022%202025.pdf
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
