The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs says the proposed gaming regulations are expected to unlock longstanding licensing bottlenecks within the gaming industry by introducing a clear fee structure and strengthening the implementation of the Gaming Control Act of 2022.
Speaking during a Gaming Regulations Workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel today, the ministry’s Legal Advisor, Nonophile Mavuso, said the absence of prescribed fees for certain applications had made it difficult for the Gaming Board to efficiently process new licence applications and renewals.
Mavuso explained that the lack of a structured fee schedule had created challenges for both the ministry and industry players, often resulting in frustration among applicants who did not understand delays in the approval process.
“The regulations will help us a lot because they contain a schedule that includes fees. We have faced challenges in issuing new licences because there have been no prescribed fees for some applications. This has not been working well for both the ministry and the gaming industry,” she said.
She noted that new licence applications are submitted regularly, but delays in processing them often leave applicants dissatisfied and uncertain about the reasons behind the hold-ups.
According to Mavuso, the proposed regulations do not introduce entirely new licensing categories but are intended to streamline existing processes, improve compliance and enhance efficiency within the gaming sector.
She said the workshop was convened to validate the regulations before they are submitted for implementation alongside the Gaming Control Act of 2022.
“The Act is self-explanatory because gaming must be controlled. These regulations will help us implement the Act by providing the tools needed to regulate and control the gaming industry as a whole,” she said.
Mavuso revealed that the ministry had conducted extensive consultations in developing the regulations, engaging a wide range of stakeholders over the past several months.
“We have held about 10 consultations to date with stakeholders, including gaming operators, lawmakers, internal stakeholders, the Royal Eswatini Police Service and prosecutors, among others,” she said.
One of the issues discussed during the workshop concerned the fees payable for certificates of suitability, which are required for employees working within the gaming industry. Stakeholders agreed that senior employees applying for certificates of suitability should pay E300, while entry-level employees should be charged E70.
The workshop also generated lively debate on several provisions contained in the draft regulations.
Some participants argued that there was little room for change because the Gaming Control Act was already in force, suggesting that discussions on the regulations amounted to a waste of time.
Another issue that attracted considerable attention related to employees who move from one licensed gaming operator to another while holding a certificate of suitability.
Stakeholders questioned who should be responsible for ensuring that such employees remain fit and suitable to work in the industry, particularly given that certificates are currently issued on a once-off basis and can remain valid for more than 10 years.
Several participants proposed that the validity period of certificates of suitability should be reduced to three years. Under the proposal, holders would be subjected to periodic reviews by the Gaming Board, which would determine whether they continue to meet the standards required to work in the gaming industry.
The recommendations made during the workshop will be considered as the ministry finalises the regulations for implementation.
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