Responsible gaming in South Africa
Gambling should be entertainment, not a problem. Here are the tools, warning signs and free South African help lines — starting with SARGF 0800 006 008.
Free, confidential help in South Africa
SA Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)
Toll-free counselling: 0800 006 008 (24/7). WhatsApp HELP to 076 675 0710. Online: responsiblegambling.org.za. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers free treatment and counselling nationwide.
If gambling is causing financial, relationship or mental-health harm, call today. Help is free and you don't need to be "addicted" to ask for it.
Tools to control your play
Deposit limits
Set daily/weekly/monthly deposit caps in your account profile.
Loss limits
Cap how much you can lose in a period.
Session limits
Reminders and time-outs to take breaks.
Self-exclusion
Block yourself from the operator for a set period.
Reality checks
Pop-ups showing time spent and net position.
Cooling-off
A short break to reset, without full self-exclusion.
When to ask for help
- Betting more than you can afford, or chasing losses.
- Borrowing or hiding gambling from family.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not gambling.
- Gambling affecting work, studies or relationships.
- Using gambling to cope with stress or sadness.
If any of these sound familiar, call SARGF 0800 006 008 — free and confidential. You can also self-exclude across SA-licensed operators.