Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino over time. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never view gambling as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
Online gambling is strictly for persons aged 18 years and older in South Africa. If you are under the legal age, you must not participate in gambling activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement before accessing any online casino.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling involvement
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties related to gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos provide responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during play sessions to encourage breaks and reflection
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic cut-off times for gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently suspend your account to prevent access
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gaming account if needed
We encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available from these trusted organisations:
- National Gambling Board (South Africa): www.ngb.org.za – South Africa's regulatory authority for gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support groups across South Africa offering peer assistance
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk – Free confidential support and advice
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org – 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and professional support is available. Contact one of the organisations above for confidential advice and assistance. Remember: there is no shame in asking for help, and recovery is possible.
If you are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 011-714 4779 or the Lifeline at 0861 322 322.