Responsible gambling and help
Betting is for adults, 18 and over, and it should stay fun. If it stops being fun, there is free help.
Free, confidential help
Call the National Responsible Gambling Programme line, free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
You can also message 076 675 0710 on WhatsApp or email [email protected].
Sources: South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, The SARGF (read 3 Oct 2026); South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, The NRGP (read 3 Oct 2026); National Gambling Board, National Responsible Gambling Programme (read 3 Oct 2026)
Who runs the helpline
The helpline belongs to the National Responsible Gambling Programme, run by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. The foundation is a partnership between the National Gambling Board, the provincial gambling boards and the gambling industry, and industry contributions fund it. More at responsiblegambling.org.za.
Source: National Gambling Board, National Responsible Gambling Programme (read 3 Oct 2026)
Self-exclusion
You can ask to be excluded from gambling. Ask the operator, whose security department can explain the forms. The operator sends them to the provincial board and the NGB. The exclusion lasts six months, and lifting it needs proof that you attended counselling.
Source: National Gambling Board, National Responsible Gambling Programme (read 3 Oct 2026)
Stay in control
- Only bet with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase losses.
- Do not bet to pay bills or to fix a money problem.
- If you are betting more often or for more than you meant to, call the helpline and talk it through.