MBABANE – Recent observations in public spaces point to a growing culture of online gambling as a coping mechanism for the January financial strain.
This trend has been observed by this reporter among commuters in kombis and members of the public, suggesting that gambling is becoming embedded in daily routines as a response to financial stress.
In queues at local bank branches and in public transport, individuals have been seen actively engaged on online betting platforms, including crash-style games such as Aviator, which have gained popularity across southern Africa. These activities, once associated mainly with casinos or sports betting outlets, are now being conducted openly in everyday public spaces.
During routine commutes between Manzini and Mbabane, passengers have been observed spending extended periods placing bets on mobile gambling applications. In some instances, conversations among commuters revolved around betting habits, with individuals discussing delays to their gambling activities due to errands. These interactions suggest that online gambling is becoming integrated into everyday life.
These interactions have also extended to online platforms, where users are seen sharing betting tickets online with captions such as ‘asizame, nguJanuary’ meaning ‘let us try, its January’ while others state that people should consider certain bets so they can gain access to school fees funds.
In Eswatini and across much of the region, January is traditionally marked by financial pressure as households grapple with school fees, debt and depleted savings following the festive season. Increasingly, gambling appears to be emerging as an alternative coping mechanism for financial strain, particularly among lower-income groups and the unemployed.
Recent figures indicate that the number of registered gamblers in Eswatini reached approximately 385 000 prior to the announcement of tighter regulatory proposals. This represents nearly a quarter of the population and reflects a significant rise in online participation. Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane recently announced that Eswatini generated E26.1 million in revenue in 2025.
In South Africa, gambling turnover reached an estimated E1.5 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year, with online betting accounting for more than half of total gambling revenue. The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation has reported an increase in individuals seeking assistance for problem gambling, many of whom use money intended for essential expenses to place bets.
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Digital gambling worsening addiction prevalence – psychologist
MBABANE – Renowned Psychologist Ndo Mdlalose has warned that gambling has rapidly become a social norm among many emaSwati, with digital platforms significantly worsening addiction levels.
Mdlalose said online gambling has intensified the problem because it is easily concealed and accessible, unlike substance abuse which often has visible or physical signs.
“Digital gambling has worsened the situation because most people are intensely addicted and can easily get away with it. It is not an obvious habit like substance abuse – you can’t smell it or physically see signs of gambling,” she said.
She added that online gambling has become so widespread that many people now view it as a primary source of income, despite the high risks involved.
“Online gambling has become so viral to the extent that people have resorted to it as a major source of income.
“Sadly, gambling is extremely risky yet very hard to quit. There is something we term ‘beginner’s luck’,” she said.
Mdlalose explained that early wins often create false hope and encourage individuals to continue betting, usually at the expense of their finances.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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