Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment — enjoyable, affordable, and controlled. If gambling stops being fun, or if you're concerned about yourself or someone else, help is available right now.

Need help now? Call the NRGP Helpline (free, 24/7): 0800 006 008 (Free · Confidential · 24/7)

Know the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or others:

⚠ Gambling with money you can't afford to lose
⚠ Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
⚠ Lying to family or friends about your gambling
⚠ Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
⚠ Chasing losses by betting more to win back money
⚠ Gambling interfering with work, relationships, or health
⚠ Thinking about gambling constantly
⚠ Using gambling as an escape from problems or stress

Free Help & Support

All resources below are free, confidential, and available to South African players. There is no shame in asking for help.

National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)

Free, confidential SA helpline — 24 hours, 7 days

0800 006 008

SMS "HELP" to 43010

Visit Website

Gamblers Anonymous South Africa

Peer support meetings across South Africa

083 264 0921

Visit Website

SA Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)

Counselling, education and awareness resources

0800 006 008

Visit Website

Lifeline South Africa

General counselling — including gambling-related problems

0861 322 322

Visit Website

Responsible Gambling Tools at Licensed Casinos

All casinos we recommend offer the following responsible gambling tools in their account settings:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly or monthly maximum deposit amounts in your account settings.

Loss Limits

Cap the amount you can lose in a session or time period.

Reality Checks

Timed pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing.

Self-Exclusion

Exclude yourself from a casino — or apply to the NGB national exclusion register.

Cool-Off Period

Take a 24-hour to 6-week break with a single click in account settings.

Account Statement

Full transaction history — always know exactly what you have deposited and withdrawn.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

  • Set a strict budget before you start and stick to it — treat it as entertainment spend, not investment.
  • Set a time limit for your gambling sessions and use reality check reminders.
  • Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Never gamble to make money or to chase losses — the house always has an edge over the long term.
  • Keep gambling separate from your financial goals and savings.
  • Take regular breaks and maintain other hobbies and social connections.
  • Talk to someone you trust if gambling is causing you stress or concern.

Self-Assessment: Do You Have a Gambling Problem?

Answer the following questions honestly:

  1. Have you ever lost time from work or family due to gambling?
  2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
  3. Has gambling affected your reputation?
  4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
  5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or solve financial difficulties?
  6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
  7. After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
  8. After a win, did you have a strong urge to return to win more?
  9. Did you often gamble until your last rand was gone?
  10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing gambling-related harm. Please contact the NRGP helpline at 0800 006 008 (free, 24/7, confidential).