MINISTER’S FESTIVE WARNING: GAMBLING NOT SOLUTION TO CASH PROBLEMS

MBABANE – As the festive season reaches its peak, over 385 000 registered online gamblers in Eswatini face the lure of risking their hard-earned money.

Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane has stepped in to urge caution and promote responsible gambling practices during this celebratory, yet financially vulnerable period. “EmaSwati akangacedvwa yindiza,” she said in jest. She simplified what she meant: “Citizens are urged to gamble responsibly, remembering that it is a form of leisure—not a financial solution. Enjoy the holidays wisely and prioritise financial stability and well-being.”

Her concern follows the general trend that the season traditionally witnesses a significant spike in gambling activity. “This is because the festive season can evoke mixed emotions, prompting some individuals to gamble as a form of escapism,” she added. While comprehensive statistics for gambling patterns in December remain unavailable, anecdotal evidence suggests a considerable increase in participation during this period. The minister warned punters against being carried away by the illusion of easy money, noting its elusive nature.

Festivities

“We urge people to be responsible and save money because there is life after the festivities. Moreover, a lot of money will be required when schools open next year,” she advised. While the accessibility of online gambling platforms fuels activity, traditional retail betting outlets remain popular, with more women joining the ranks of punters. The minister’s warning comes in the wake of reports that the gambling industry continues to grow rapidly in Eswatini, with recent estimates for 2024 indicating a market value exceeding E100 million per annum.

As of April 2024, the country has had over 385 000 registered online gamblers, a striking figure for a nation whose adult population amounts to 818 400. Over the past year, Eswatini has seen a staggering 75 per cent increase in online gamblers. In April 2023, there were 220 000 registered online gaming users, of whom 60 000 were active (defined as placing at least one bet and one deposit in a given month). By April 2024, this number had risen to 385 000 registered users, representing 25 per cent of the country’s population.

Unemployment

Concerns have been raised about this sharp growth, particularly in light of the country’s high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 35.4 per cent. Many unemployed youth and students turn to online gambling as a means to make quick money. The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs reported collecting over E9 million in levies from bookmakers and E48 000 in annual licence fees for the 2023/24 financial year. 

In a previous interview, the ministry’s Communications Officer, Baphelele Vilakati, also revealed that the Gaming and Licensing Board received four new applications for online gaming licences during the past year, granting two. Currently, Eswatini hosts at least three licensed online gaming platforms: MulaSport, eBet, 8Bet, and the recently-launched DiskiBet. Anecdotal evidence suggests these platforms are dominated by students and unemployed youth. While some working-class individuals also gamble, the youth demographic remains the most active.

Gambling

For some, gambling has brought temporary relief. Sivesonkhe Simelane, a bus conductor shared that he relies on gambling earnings to buy groceries and electricity units. “I place bets everyday ngemali yemdlazi (money taken from bus fares without the transport owner’s consent) and I use at least E20 per session every day,” he said. He occasionally wins amounts ranging from E80 and his biggest win was E6 000, which he used to buy elegant clothes and pay school fees for his children. However, for others, the consequences of gambling can be far-reaching. Roffinin Thevede, a resident of Mahwalala in Mbabane, won over E200 000 a few months ago.

While the windfall allowed him to quit his job as a driver and start a business, he admitted that gambling’s addictive nature led him to reinvest significant amounts, often losing more than he won. Several factors contribute to this trend, including increased free time during the holidays, bonus paychecks providing extra disposable income, and, for some, the financial strain of the season driving a search for quick money.

In South Africa, local betting operator Bettabets reports a noticeable surge in retail gambling activity during the festive season, particularly in rural areas such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, which have seen a 10-12 per cent increase, compared to a 6-8 per cent rise in urban centres. Additionally, year-on-year data indicates an 11 per cent average increase in customer spending from November to December. Recognising these trends, economists say it is crucial to approach gambling with caution and mindfulness during this time.

Responsible

“Our data highlights the festive season’s popularity among punters, but it also underscores the need for responsible gambling,” said Mathabo Sekhonyana, Chief Marketing Officer at Bettabets. “While this is a time for celebration and fun, it’s essential to approach gambling cautiously, ensuring you don’t overspend or compromise your financial stability.” Sekhonyana emphasised that gambling should remain a form of entertainment: “This is a time to enjoy recreational activities responsibly,” he said. He said it is not a solution to financial difficulties or a way to make quick money.

Meanwhile, professional counsellors advise that the rapid growth of online gambling in Eswatini highlights the urgent need for responsible gambling practices, public education and stricter regulations. The Gaming Fees Rules of 2023, published under the Gaming Act Control of 2022, stipulate high fees for licences to ensure compliance and accountability within the industry. However, the increasing number of participants calls for additional measures to protect vulnerable groups from the potential harms of gambling.

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