By Thokozani Mazibuko
PEOPLE are turning to gambling in a bid to improve their lives and deal with the challenging economic downturn.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has reported a significant revenue increase from the gaming sector, amounting to E6,480,703.80 during the second quarter of the fiscal year.
The increase brings with it challenges. Minister Mary Jane Simelane-Mkhonta presented the findings in Parliament.
She further indicated that the Eswatini Department of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has assisted 16 individuals in being excluded from casinos for periods ranging from 12 months to two years.
This initiative highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the potential harms associated with gambling.
The exclusions come as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of gambling addiction, a growing concern in the region.
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The department has been actively engaging with communities to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and to provide support for those who may be struggling with their gaming habits.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane emphasized the importance of responsible gambling practices, stating, “Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for all gamblers.
By helping individuals exclude themselves from casinos, we are taking a vital step toward preventing gambling-related issues that can impact their lives and the lives of their families.”
The individuals who sought exclusion were assisted through a structured support system, which offered counselling and guidance throughout the exclusion period.
The program aims not only to limit access to gambling venues but also to provide an avenue for individuals to seek help and develop healthier lifestyles.
Community leaders and support organizations such as eBet Eswatini have lauded the initiative, recognizing the importance of addressing gambling addiction as a public health issue.
“It’s crucial that we continue to promote responsible gambling practices while providing necessary support for those affected,” said a representative from a local support group.
Following the successful implementation of the exclusion program, the Department of Tourism and Environmental Affairs plans to expand its efforts, exploring additional resources and collaborative programs aimed at preventing gambling addiction and promoting responsible gaming behaviour.
The commitment to responsible gambling marks a significant step forward for Eswatini, as it balances economic growth with the health and safety of its citizens.
Gaming revenue is part of a broader strategy to boost economic growth through various avenues, including tourism and environmental sustainability.
As the Ministry continues to engage with regional partners, it has facilitated knowledge-sharing meetings with the South African National Gaming Board and the Gauteng Gambling Board.
These discussions focused on critical areas such as licensing operators and the implementation of Central Monitoring Systems to ensure compliance and accurate reporting of gaming levies.
In addition to advancements in the gaming sector, the Ministry has also made strides in environmental planning.
It completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) across four Tinkhundla centres: Lomahasha, Lugongolweni, Dvokodvweni, and Mhlume Inkhundla.
This assessment is pivotal for the proposed Big Five National Park project, which aims to enhance the nation’s tourism offerings while safeguarding environmental integrity.
The EIA scoping report summarizes community inputs and outlines suggestions for coexistence with the park project, reflecting a commitment to inclusive decision-making.
The report has been submitted to the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) for public review and feedback, inviting responses from citizens to ensure their voices are heard in the development process.
The Ministry’s proactive approach signals a dedication to both the economic potential of gaming and the environmental responsibilities tied to new projects.
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EmaSwati are not the only people turning to gambling to make ends meet. South Africans are also in the same boat.
According to data from financial planners Olemera, South Africans have spent R1.1 trillion on gambling in 2024 so far, 40% more than in 2023.
One of the biggest drivers of gambling is sports betting, which has grown into a R420 billion industry in 2023, and set to account for even more in 2024.
The National Gambling Board’s 2022/23 national gambling statistics showed that sports betting has significantly grown its share of the gambling industry in South Africa over the past decade, from under 10% in 2009/10 to over half in 2022/23.
BusinessTech reported that more worrying than the numbers themselves is the attitude towards gambling that goes along with it.
A recent survey conducted by online sports betting platform Bettabets almost half of all gamblers are doing so in the hope of meeting rising cost-of-living expenses such as school fees and rent – with 70% saying they gamble to supplement their income, rather than doing so for entertainment purposes.
“And when they do enjoy a gambling win, only 27% say they ‘always’ set aside a portion of their winnings for savings or investment purposes. Mostly, they spend the money immediately,” the group said.
“With South Africa having one of the lowest savings rates in the world, financial literacy is not one of our strong suits.
And while gambling for fun and entertainment by a responsible adult is acceptable, betting to meet your monthly expenses or pay off other debts is irresponsible, as it may become an endless cycle,” it said.
Gary Walker, Managing Director of Olemera said many ‘problem gamblers’ see gambling as a path to financial security or success, often leading to risky behaviour and overlooking vital practices like budgeting.
For now, ‘problem gamblers’ are considered to be in the vast minority, with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation pegging it at about 2.7% of the population.
1.5% of the population are considered “pathological or compulsive gamblers”. However, even with these low figures, this represents hundreds of thousands of South Africans.
Maseabata Mdee, a clinical psychologist from Randburg, said the psychology of gambling addiction is multifaceted and complex.
“While economic factors such as financial strain, unemployment, and poor financial literacy may play a role, there are also deeper motivations for gambling.
For some, obtaining money becomes a primary goal, which can heighten the risk of problem gambling.”
Taking gambling online poses an even greater risk of breeding excessive gambling due to ease of access, Mdee said.
“(Online gambling) has effectively removed natural barriers like the need for transport or physical proximity to betting venues.
Today, gambling is just a click away, and this accessibility can fuel addictive behaviours,” she said.
In South Africa, about 80% of sports betting is done online, with wagers made with just a couple of clicks on a computer or mobile device.
Well-known gambling companies such as Betway and Hollywoodbets dominate online betting in the country, as well as advertising and sports sponsorship.
There are various reasons given for the boom in sports betting in the country.
“One of the biggest factors in the growth of sports betting is simply increased awareness and visibility,” wrote Head of Yield at Sportingbet, Retief Uys.
Sports betting companies now advertise heavily during big sporting events, sponsor major teams and tournaments and even hold the naming rights for certain stadiums.
Notably, the newcomer SuperSportBet is the result of a partnership between Nigerian betting company KingMakers and MultiChoice, which launched in January and specifically targets sports fans.
This comes as MultiChoice notes that around 77% of DStv subscribers are said to be active betters or engage in match predictions – hence why they want to be their first point of reference in this regard.
KingMakers said that Africa is the fastest-growing gambling market in the world.
Africa’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is expected to rise by 17% by 2027, beating Latin America and Asia and the Middle East, which are set to see growth of 13% and 7%, respectively. Olemera’s Walker said that it is imperative that gamblers do so responsibly.
“With so much money at play, it’s essential for South African punters to understand how to gamble responsibly, manage their finances, and avoid the trap of relying on gambling to solve financial woes,” he said.
“This way, they can keep gambling as a source of entertainment without it turning into a cycle of debt and addiction.”
In October, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg sent out a strong warning to the nation on gambling addiction, fake investment schemes and bonus pays
“Eswatini is currently engulfed with gambling addiction. Winners know when to stop and how to gamble friendly. Just because the country allows it, doesn’t mean it is acceptable,” said the minister at the time.
He further said people were facing money problems because of gambling.
He further mentioned that since the holidays are approaching, people will be given bonuses and 13th cheques.
He warned that investing their bonuses in fake pop-up schemes and blowing the money on holidays was not a wise move, considering the economy.
“Spend wisely, be wary of the schemes you join and find out if they are legit and registered. People tend to get carried away with bonuses and Noah cheques in general,” Rijkenberg said.