Gambling and online casinos in Eswatini

Eswatini (Swaziland until 2018) is a small but economically active state in South Africa where gambling is legal and controlled by law.

Despite the relatively small domestic market, the country has a developed offline casino infrastructure, and is also taking steps to legalize online gambling, focusing on the model of neighboring South Africa.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in Eswatini in the 1960s, when the first Royal Swazi Spa casino was opened for tourists from South Africa, where gambling was prohibited at that time.

This niche brought the country popularity as "South Africa's gambling haven."

After independence, the government passed Casino Act 1963, officially allowing casinos, and in 2011 the Eswatini Gaming Board (EGB) was created

a government body that regulates all forms of gambling.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the following acts:

• Casino Act 1963 (as revised in 2009);
• Lotteries Act 1963;
• Gaming Control Act 2011 is a modern law governing licensing, taxation and online gambling.

Regulator: Eswatini Gaming Board (EGB)

under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Protection.

Main provisions:

• licenses are issued for 5 years;
• Gross Revenue Tax (GGR) - 15% for casinos and 20% for online platforms;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• licenses are issued only to residents of Eswatini or companies with local registration;
• online gambling is allowed, but requires a separate eGaming by-law (in development).

The state uses tax revenues to develop tourism and support cultural initiatives.

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Legal forms of gambling

In Eswatini, the following are allowed:

• casinos and gaming halls;
• lotteries and bingo;
• bookmakers and betting shops;
• online gambling (partially through licensed operators);
• virtual and mobile games.

Major operators:

• Royal Swazi Spa Casino (Ezulwini) is the country's largest casino and regional brand;
• Happy Valley Casino (Mbabane) is a popular tourist destination;
• Premier Sports Bet Eswatini is a local bookmaker;
• Hollywoodbets Eswatini is a branch of the South African brand.

Most offline casinos work in conjunction with resorts and hotels, focusing on the flow of players from South Africa and Mozambique.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Eswatini is in its infancy.

Since 2021, Eswatini Gaming Board has been developing a regulatory framework for issuing digital licenses and regulating online operators.

At the moment, online betting and casinos are available through international platforms licensed in neighboring countries (South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius), as well as local operators with temporary permits.

Popular destinations:

• sports betting (football, rugby, tennis, cricket);
• online slots and live games;
• virtual leagues and esports;
• mobile casinos and applications.

Payment systems:

• MTN Mobile Money, Eswatini Mobile Wallet, FNB eWallet;
• bank transfers through Standard Bank Eswatini and Nedbank;
• cryptocurrencies are not yet regulated, but are used unofficially by players.

According to Southern Africa Gaming Review 2024, the number of active online players in Eswatini exceeds 80,000, and the digital market is estimated at $15-20 million per year.

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Economic role

Gambling occupies an important place in the country's economy, especially in tourism and services.

Key indicators (2024):

• contribution to GDP - 0.8%;
• tax revenues - about $5 million per year;
• employment - 1,500 people;
• the annual flow of tourists visiting casinos is more than 100,000.

The gambling sector is seen by the government as a tool for attracting foreign investment and an incentive for the development of the hotel and entertainment industry.

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Social and cultural context

Eswatini is a traditional society where attitudes towards gambling are moderately conservative.

Authorities encourage responsible play and restrict underage access.

The regulator requires operators to:

• placing warnings about dependency risks;
• setting betting limits and game times;
• compliance with the principles of responsible gambling.

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Prospects

Eswatini plans to fully legalize online gambling by 2030, creating the national licensing system eGaming Eswatini.

Key initiatives:

• development of an electronic licensing portal;
• attracting investments in digital casinos and payment systems;
• development of tourist casino areas in the Ezulwini Valley;
• regulatory cooperation with South Africa and Mauritius.

Forecast: by 2030, the volume of the Eswatini gambling market will reach $50 million, and the online segment will occupy up to 60% of the total turnover.

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Eswatini is a small but promising country in the field of legal gambling in South Africa.

Strong regulation, tourist attractiveness and a course towards digitalization create the foundation for further growth.