Swaziland is an independent monarchal state located in the southern part of the African continent with South Africa being the neighboring country on the north, west and south while Mozambique is on the east. It was granted its independence on the 6th of September in the year 1968 and was to be known as the Kingdom of Swaziland. Eswatini has a long history of gambling even before it became a sovereign state in the world. This article will give you all the information that you require on the sport betting and betting sites in Eswatini, and how to start betting.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Understanding Betting in Eswatini
Eswatini which was earlier known as Swaziland is home to a quite active gambling culture. Depending on the preference of an individual, there are numerous games that one can play from the conventional casinos to the online gambling services. Whether you are a businessperson or a sports betting lover, it will be useful for you to know the current legal situation and the possible platforms. This guide will include information on the history of betting, the laws, as well as the best Eswatini betting sites.
The Evolution of the Gambling Laws in Eswatini
Lotteries have been legal in Eswatini since 1963. Nonethele, the legal regulation has developed over time to meet the new forms of gambling, including the online betting.
- 1963: The Casino Act and the Lotteries Act were passed which formally introduced the legal gambling into the system.
- 1965: The first casino, Royal Swazi Spa, was launched to the public, which is considered as a major event.
- 1998: Online gambling was legalized which increased the opportunities for gambling.
Key Regulatory of Betting Sites in Eswatini
The regulation of gambling activities in Eswatini is the responsibility of several key bodies for the purpose of promoting consistency with the law.
- Eswatini Gaming Board: It is in charge with the licensing of gambling operations and the control of the gambling market.
- Ministry of Tourism, Environmental Affairs, and Communication: Responsible for the enforcement of tourism policies with reference to gambling policies.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
If one is eager to dive into Eswatini sports betting then it is imperative for one to know about the kinds of bets that are allowed and the ones that are not allowed.
Permitted Bets:
- Casino games
- Sports betting
- Lotteries
Prohibited Bets:
- Some specific forms of the high-stakes betting activity
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Eswatini
The licensing of gambling in Eswatini is quite easy and is administered by the Eswatini Gaming Board.
License Types:
- Casino License
- Sports Betting License
- Lottery License
Fees:
Fees for licenses depend on the kind and size of the gambling business.
Taxation on Gambling
Eswatini has specific rules and requirements for gambling operators concerning taxes.
- Casino Tax: Regulations of the Licensing of Bookmakers and Taxation Act of 1970 applied here.
- Lottery Tax: 10-15% of the salary which is decided on a yearly basis by the government.
Best Betting Sites in Eswatini
Some of the betting sites that are popular in Eswatini include the following;
Up To £100
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Up To £100 + 15% Free Bets
The Development of Sports in Eswatini
There has not been a shortage of landmark events in the field of sports in Eswatini, thus making it a rather vibrant sporting nation.
- 1968: The independence from the UK which in turn created the development of sports and betting.
- 1997 & 2013: The national football team emerged champions in the COSAFA Cup.
- 2019: Eswatini have had African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Celebrating Eswatini’s Sports Stars
Some of the sportsmen and women from Eswatini have excelled in the various games that are played in the country.
- Sibusiso Matsenjwa: A famous footballer specialized in the aspect of speed and accuracy while on the field.
- Zanele Mdodana: An athlete in the track and field, and a two time African champion in the 400 meters hurdles.
- Sipho Mabuza: A professional boxer of the world who is holding several titles to his name.
Gambling Laws of Neighboring Countries
Learning more about the legal framework regarding gambling in the neighboring countries may give a more general idea about the situation in the region.
South Africa:
- The South African gambling is governed by the National Gambling Board which has the responsibility of supervising all forms of gambling in the country.
- Gambling is not allowed, however, betting is legal and live especially when it comes to sports betting.
Mozambique:
- Licensed under the General Gambling Inspectorate, that controls all the gambling activities as per the laws.
- Land/water-based gambling is legal and there are many forms of gambling that players can participate in; these include casinos and online gambling.
Lesotho:
- Operational under the regulation of the Lesotho Gambling Board that has strict gambling laws in place.
- Some legalised forms of gambling are allowed but these are closely monitored in order to prevent the excessive gambling and it includes lotteries and certain sports betting.
Conclusion
There are many forms of gambling in Eswatini if you like the old-fashioned way of going to a casino or you like betting on sports online. Knowing the legal environment, potential websites and major occurrences will assist you in coming up with a good decision. If you are up for beginning your betting adventure, review the best betting sites from this guide.
FAQ about Betting Sites in Eswatini
Related content
Betting Sites in Africa: Best Bookmakers
Betting Sites in Central Africa
Betting Sites in Guinea-Bissau