Responsible Gambling

The basics: keep it safe

• 18+ only. Gambling in South Africa is strictly for adults aged 18 and over.
• It is entertainment, not income. Treat any money you stake as the cost of entertainment, like a movie ticket — never as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
• Only bet what you can afford to lose. Set a budget before you start and stop when you reach it.
• Never chase losses. Trying to win back what you have lost is how small problems become big ones.
• Don't gamble to cope. If you are betting to escape stress, boredom or low mood, the betting will not fix what's underneath.
• Take regular breaks and keep gambling balanced with the rest of your life.

Warning signs of problem gambling

Problem gambling can creep up gradually. You might recognise some of these signs in yourself or in someone close to you:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended, or than you can afford.
• Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back what you've lost.
• Borrowing money, selling things, or falling behind on bills to fund gambling.
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble, or hiding it.
• Feeling restless, anxious or irritable when you try to cut back or stop.
• Neglecting work, studies, relationships or responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame or hopelessness after gambling.

If several of these feel familiar, please consider reaching out. The National Responsible Gambling Programme on 0800 006 008 can help you talk it through — at no cost and in complete confidence.

A quick self-assessment

Ask yourself honestly. The more "yes" answers, the more it may be worth speaking to someone:

• Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
• Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement?
• Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
• Have you borrowed money or sold anything to gamble?
• Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
• Has gambling caused you stress, anxiety or health problems?
• Have people criticised your gambling, or has it caused tension at home?

This is a guide, not a diagnosis. If the answers worry you, free professional support is one phone call away.

Tools that help you stay in control

Every licensed South African operator is required to offer responsible-gambling tools. You will usually find them in your account under "Responsible Gambling" or "Account Limits". Set them up early — before a tough session, not during one:

• Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month.
• Loss limits — cap how much you can lose over a set period.
• Time limits and reality checks — set reminders that show how long you've been playing so you don't lose track of time.
• Cooling-off periods — lock yourself out for a short break to reset.
• Self-exclusion — block your account for a longer period when you need to step away completely.

Tightening a limit usually takes effect immediately; loosening it is deliberately delayed, to protect you in the moment.

Help for family and friends

Gambling harm doesn't only affect the person betting. If you are worried about a partner, family member or friend, you do not have to manage it alone. The National Responsible Gambling Programme supports affected others too — call 0800 006 008 for guidance on how to help and how to look after yourself.

South African support resources

• National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) — free, confidential counselling 24/7 on 0800 006 008.
• responsiblegambling.co.za — information, self-tests and access to treatment.
• SMS support — text "help" and your name to 076 675 0710 for a call back.

If you ever feel you might harm yourself, please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 0800 567 567, or your nearest emergency service, right away. You matter, and help is available.