Help is available — free and confidential
If gambling is causing you stress, debt or conflict, you are not alone and help is free:
- National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) — 0800 006 008 (24/7, free)
- SMS / WhatsApp — 076 675 0710
- Counselling and treatment are confidential and available in multiple languages.
You must be 18 or older to gamble in South Africa.
Signs it may be a problem
- Spending more than you can afford, or chasing losses to win them back.
- Borrowing money, or hiding how much you gamble from family.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or low mood.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
- Letting gambling affect work, sleep or relationships.
If several of these sound familiar, reaching out early makes a real difference.
Tools that keep you in control
Reputable casinos provide tools to help you set boundaries — use them before you start playing:
- Deposit & loss limits — cap what you can put in or lose over a day, week or month.
- Session reminders / reality checks — prompts showing how long you’ve played.
- Cool-off (time-out) — lock yourself out for a short period.
- Self-exclusion — block access for months or permanently.
Self-exclusion
If you want to stop, self-exclusion is the strongest tool. Set it in your casino account or ask support, and contact the NRGP for help excluding across multiple operators. Combine it with practical steps — bank-app gambling blocks, removing saved payment methods, and telling someone you trust.
Keep it fun
Decide a budget and a time limit before you play, never gamble with money meant for essentials, and take regular breaks. Gambling is entertainment — if it stops feeling that way, call 0800 006 008. 18+ only.