TLDR Licensed operators in Eswatini want the government to define how long self-exclusion periods should last A validation workshop was held to review draft regulations under the Gaming Control Act of 2021 The Gaming Board will manage a central self-exclusion register and notify operators of requests Excluded players who gamble anyway face a fine of up to E2,000 or up to two years in prison The draft also introduces a fee schedule to speed up licensing and renewals Eswatini Gambling Operators Push for Clearer Self-Exclusion Rules
Licensed gambling operators in Eswatini are calling on the government to set clear rules around self-exclusion, including how long a ban should last and how strictly it must be enforced.
The issue came up during a validation workshop held at Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini. The session was organized to review draft regulations that will bring the Gaming Control Act of 2021 into full effect.
Operators and officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs attended to go through the draft and flag areas that still need work.
One operator raised a specific concern: some players request self-exclusion but return to gamble within hours. Without a set timeframe, operators say they don’t know how long a ban should apply or when it can be lifted.
Ministry officials confirmed the draft does not fix a specific exclusion period. They said operators may use their own judgment, particularly when a player wants to be barred from one venue rather than the whole market.
Gaming Board to Run Central Exclusion Register
Under the proposed framework, the Gaming Board will take responsibility for managing self-exclusion requests. Operators will not need to track applications themselves but must act as soon as they receive formal notice from the Board.
Either a player or a third party