Mbabane – Eswatini has witnessed a surge in online sports betting over the past few years. Everywhere you look, from taxi ranks to taverns, people are discussing Premier League predictions, multipliers, and potential payouts. For many, it seems like a quick way to profit from the global passion for soccer, especially with major leagues streamed live on mobile phones. But behind the chatter and flashy adverts lies a harsher reality, one that is increasingly raising concern among lawmakers and ordinary citizens alike.
Make no mistake. Betting companies exist to make money, and they are very good at it. Odds are not random. Behind them are teams of statisticians, algorithms, and market traders who know the game far better than most punters. They do not set odds to help players win. They set them to ensure the company wins over time. For most players in Eswatini, the arithmetic is simple. Occasional wins may occur, perhaps even a big payout once or twice. But consistent profit is extremely rare. Industry data suggests that up to nine out of ten bettors lose more than they win in the long run. Betting is not a side hustle. It is entertainment with a high risk of loss.
Concerns are not limited to parents and community leaders. In Parliament, Members of Parliament recently voiced deep unease over the widespread impact of online gambling. MPs highlighted underage access to betting platforms, addictive behaviour among young men and women, and the strain it places on families already facing economic hardship. In late 2025, MPs called for an immediate halt on new gambling licences until a stronger regulatory framework is in place. They argued that current laws, designed for an era of land-based casinos, are simply not fit for the digital age. “We must protect our youth and our communities. Betting apps should not be playgrounds for minors or escape routes for the desperate,” they said. The call for a parliamentary probe into online gambling marked a rare moment of unity, with legislators from multiple parties agreeing that the status quo is harmful.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane acknowledged these concerns and announced that the ministry will take steps toward reform. Proposed measures include national ID verification for gambling accounts, stricter age gating and blocking of underage users, and closer monitoring of advertising practices and responsible gaming commitments. Telecom companies have also been urged to help enforce age restrictions, though implementation details remain unclear. For many Eswatini families, these efforts cannot come soon enough.
Across communities, the consequences are evident. Fathers are withdrawing school fees to place last-minute bets. Young men are sidelined over weekends after losing small fortunes. Families are struggling to make ends meet while chasing bigger payouts. Betting for many has ceased to be a pastime and has become a financial burden. Some local operators, including eBet, have publicly committed to promoting responsible gaming and cooperating with authorities to ensure player safety.
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