Betting should be a bit of fun on top of watching football, never a way to pay bills or win back losses. If gambling is causing you stress, help is free and confidential.
National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline: 0800 006 008 (toll-free, 24 hours). More information and free counselling: National Responsible Gambling Programme.
Signs that betting may be becoming a problem
- Spending more money or time on betting than you planned.
- Chasing losses: betting more to win back what you lost.
- Borrowing money or using money meant for rent, food or family to bet.
- Hiding your betting from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not betting.
Tips to stay in control
- Set a weekly budget and a deposit limit in your betting account.
- Only bet with money you can afford to lose.
- Never chase losses.
- Take breaks. All licensed bookmakers offer time-outs.
- Don’t bet when you are upset, stressed or have been drinking.
Self-exclusion
If you want to stop completely, ask your bookmaker to self-exclude you: your account is closed for the period you choose and you can’t open a new one. The National Responsible Gambling Programme can help you exclude yourself from other licensed operators too.
Under 18? Betting is not for you
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in South Africa. Parents can use filtering software such as Google Family Link to block gambling websites on children’s devices.