Betting should be a form of entertainment, like going to a match or a movie. It should never be a way to make money, pay off debt or escape problems. This page explains how to keep it that way, and where to find help if it isn’t.
On this page
- Get free help
- Warning signs to look out for
- Tools licensed betting sites offer
- Simple habits that keep betting fun
- Under 18? Betting is not for you
- Quick self-check
- How to set limits
- How to self-exclude
- Fast games need extra care
- Gambling and money problems
- Worried about someone else?
- Free help in South Africa
Get free help
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers free counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends.
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008
- WhatsApp: send HELP to 076 675 0710
Warning signs to look out for
- Spending more money or time betting than you planned
- Chasing losses by betting more to win back what you lost
- Borrowing money or using money meant for bills to bet
- Hiding your betting from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you’re not betting
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good time to take a break and talk to someone.
Tools licensed betting sites offer
- Deposit limits: set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week or month.
- Time-outs: block your account for a short period, such as a day or a week.
- Self-exclusion: close your account for a longer period. You can also ask about national self-exclusion, which covers licensed operators across South Africa.
You’ll usually find these tools in your account settings, under a heading like “Responsible gambling”. Every review on SA Casino Rank checks whether these tools are easy to find and use.
Simple habits that keep betting fun
- Decide on a budget you can afford to lose before you start, and stick to it.
- Never chase losses.
- Don’t bet when you’re upset, stressed or have been drinking.
- Take regular breaks, and balance betting with other activities.
Under 18? Betting is not for you
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in South Africa. Licensed bookmakers verify every customer’s age. If you’re a parent, consider using parental controls on devices your children use.
Quick self-check
Answer these honestly, thinking about the last 12 months:
- Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
- Have you needed to bet more to get the same excitement?
- Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
- Have you borrowed money or sold something to bet?
- Have you felt you might have a problem with gambling?
- Has gambling caused you stress, anxiety or problems with money?
- Have people close to you criticised your betting?
- Have you felt guilty about how you bet, or what happens when you do?
If you answered yes to even one or two of these, it’s worth talking to someone. Call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation free on 0800 006 008, or WhatsApp HELP to 076 675 0710. It’s confidential, and you don’t have to stop gambling to get advice.
How to set limits at a betting site
- Log in and open your account or profile menu.
- Look for “Responsible gambling”, “Safer gambling” or “Limits”.
- Set a deposit limit per day, week or month. Lowering a limit usually works straight away; raising it usually takes a waiting period.
- If you need a break, choose a time-out, such as 24 hours, a week or a month.
- If you can’t find the tools, ask live chat to set the limit for you.
Set your limits before you start betting, while you’re thinking clearly, not after a loss.
How to self-exclude in South Africa
Self-exclusion blocks you from gambling for a set period, usually six months or longer, and can’t be reversed early.
- At one site: use the self-exclusion option in your account settings, or ask the site’s support team.
- At all licensed operators: South Africa keeps a national register of excluded persons. Call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation on 0800 006 008 and it will explain how to exclude yourself from all licensed gambling operators.
- Block the apps too: delete betting apps, and consider blocking gambling sites on your phone with parental-control or blocking software.
Fast games need extra care
Games with very short rounds, such as Lucky Numbers, crash games and slots, make it easy to place many bets in a short time. Small stakes add up quickly. If you play them, set a time limit as well as a money limit, and take regular breaks.
Gambling and money problems
- Never borrow money, use credit or use money meant for rent, food or school fees to bet.
- Don’t treat a bonus as free money. Our betting bonuses guide explains why.
- If gambling has left you in debt, speak to a debt counsellor registered with the National Credit Regulator before taking on new loans.
Worried about someone else?
Gambling problems affect families too. Signs include unexplained money problems, borrowing, secrecy about phone use and mood swings around sports results. Talk to them calmly, without blame, and suggest they call the helpline. The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation also supports family members, so you can call 0800 006 008 for advice yourself.
Free help in South Africa
| Service | How to reach it |
|---|---|
| South African Responsible Gambling Foundation helpline | 0800 006 008 (toll-free) |
| WhatsApp support | Send HELP to 076 675 0710 |
| Self-exclusion from all licensed operators | Ask the helpline on 0800 006 008 |
18+ only. SA Casino Rank only lists bookmakers licensed in South Africa. Gambling can be addictive; please play responsibly.