Responsible Gambling South Africa

Whether you want to keep betting in check or you need support right now, you'll find both on this page. Pick the track that fits where you are today.

Track 1

Stay in Control

Practical tools and habits for keeping betting in its place. These work best before problems develop.

Bankroll tips for recreational bettors

These habits make a real difference. Small adjustments now can protect your enjoyment long-term.

Set a fixed budget

Decide on a weekly or monthly amount before you start. Treat it like an entertainment spend, not an investment. Once it's gone, stop until next period.

Use time limits

Set a timer before each session. Most bookmakers let you set session time reminders in your account settings. When the timer goes, log out regardless of your balance.

Set deposit limits

All licensed SA bookmakers let you cap how much you can deposit. Set daily, weekly or monthly limits. Reducing a limit takes effect immediately. Increasing one requires a cooling-off wait.

Take regular breaks

Use a cooling-off period every few months even if things feel fine. A 24-hour or 7-day break resets your perspective and confirms betting is still a choice, not a habit you can't pause.

Never chase losses

If you're down for the session, resist the urge to place bigger bets to recover. This is the single most common path from recreational to problem betting. Accept the loss and come back another time.

Keep others informed

Telling a trusted friend or family member about your betting budget adds a layer of accountability. You don't need to share every bet, just the overall amount you've decided is acceptable.

Quick self-assessment

Answer five honest questions to get a rough sense of where you stand. No data is sent anywhere. This is for your eyes only.

Answer each question as honestly as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, just a reflection of your recent experience.

Do you often bet more than you planned to?

Do you chase losses by placing bigger bets to try to recover?

Has betting caused arguments or tension with family or friends?

Do you find yourself thinking about betting for most of the day?

Have you borrowed money or sold items to fund betting?

Responsible gambling tools at SA bookmakers

Every licensed South African bookmaker must offer these tools by law. Here's where to find them and what they do.

Tool	What it does	Takes effect	How to set it
Deposit Limit	Caps your daily, weekly or monthly deposits at an amount you choose.	Immediately when lowering. 7-day wait to increase.	Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Deposit Limits
Session Time Reminder	Sends a popup after a set session duration so you know how long you've been logged in.	From your next login.	Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Session Limits
Cooling-Off Period	Temporarily suspends your ability to bet or deposit for 24 hours up to 30 days.	Immediately. Cannot be reversed early.	Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Take a Break
Self-Exclusion	Closes your account for a minimum of 6 months, up to permanent. Far stronger than a cooling-off period.	Immediately. Requires formal reapplication to rejoin.	Contact support directly or use the in-app exclusion tool.
Reality Check	Displays your session time and total staked during the current session at timed intervals.	From your next login.	Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Reality Check

Menu paths vary slightly between operators. Search for "Responsible Gambling" or "Safer Gambling" in your account settings if you can't find these options.

Betting budget calculator

Enter your monthly income and the share you're comfortable putting toward entertainment betting. The calculator shows your monthly and weekly limits in real time.

Monthly income (after tax, in rands)

Entertainment percentage (of take-home income)

Monthly budget

R 0

Weekly budget

R 0

This calculator is a guide only. Financial advisors typically suggest keeping all discretionary entertainment (including eating out, hobbies, and betting) to 10-15% of take-home income combined. If betting is taking more than that, it may be worth reviewing your limits.

Track 2

Need Help Now

If betting is causing real harm in your life, help is available right now. All services below are free and confidential.

How to self-exclude from SA bookmakers

Self-exclusion is a formal, binding request to close your account. It is the strongest tool available and is enforced by law. Here's how to do it step by step.

Decide on the duration

SA bookmakers offer exclusion periods from 6 months up to permanent. A shorter period can be extended but cannot be shortened, so be honest about what you need. If you're in crisis, permanent is the safest default.

Find the self-exclusion option

Log in and go to Account Settings, then Responsible Gambling. Look for "Self-Exclusion" or "Close Account." Some operators require you to contact their support team directly by phone or email.

Complete identity verification

You may be asked to confirm your ID or answer security questions. This is to ensure no one else requests exclusion on your behalf without consent. Have your ID number ready.

Request exclusion in writing too

Email the bookmaker's support address to confirm your exclusion in writing. Keep a copy. Subject line example: "Self-exclusion request - [your full name] - [your account number]." This creates a clear paper trail.

Repeat for every bookmaker

Self-exclusion at one operator does not automatically cover others. Go through this process with every bookmaker you have an account with. The NRGP does operate a multi-operator exclusion database, which you can access through the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline (0800 006 008).

Block access on your devices

Consider installing blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker on your phone and computer. These prevent access to betting sites independently of the operators' own systems and add a useful extra barrier.

If any licensed bookmaker refuses or delays processing your self-exclusion request, you can lodge a complaint with the relevant provincial gambling board. Contact the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline for guidance.

Worried about someone?

Resources for family members and friends

Problem gambling harms families, not just individuals. You can call the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline (0800 006 008) for yourself, even if the person you're worried about hasn't asked for help yet. Counsellors are trained to advise family members and can help you decide how to approach the conversation.

Practical steps for concerned family members include: keeping your own finances separate, avoiding paying gambling debts on someone else's behalf (this removes natural consequences and delays recovery), and attending Gam-Anon, the support group for families of people with gambling problems. Gam-Anon meets alongside Gamblers Anonymous groups in most major cities.

FAMSA (Families South Africa) also offers counselling specifically for families affected by a member's harmful habits. Call 011 788 4784 or find your nearest office at famsa.org.za.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline?

The SA Responsible Gambling Foundation operates a free, confidential helpline at 0800 006 008, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The line is staffed by trained counsellors and is available in multiple South African languages.

How do I set deposit limits at a South African bookmaker?

Log in to your account and navigate to 'Responsible Gambling', 'Account Settings' or 'Safer Gambling'. Select 'Deposit Limits' and set a daily, weekly or monthly limit. The limit takes effect immediately. Increasing a limit is subject to a cooling-off period.

What is a cooling-off period?

A cooling-off period is a temporary break from betting, usually ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. You set it through your account settings. During the period you cannot place bets or make deposits at that bookmaker. It is a useful tool for short-term breaks without committing to full self-exclusion.

What is the National Responsible Gambling Programme?

The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) is a government-mandated initiative funded by gambling operators. It provides education, treatment, prevention and research on problem gambling in South Africa. Funded services include counselling, helpline operation and school programmes.

Can a family member get help if a relative has a gambling problem?

Yes. The SA Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline (0800 006 008) is for both people experiencing gambling harm and their family members and friends. Counsellors can provide advice for concerned family members including information on how to encourage a person to seek help.