Responsible Gambling Guide for South Africans

What Does ‘Responsible Gambling’ Mean?

Responsible gambling is betting in a way that protects your financial, mental, and emotional well-being. It means setting limits, understanding the risks, and recognising when gambling stops being entertainment and starts affecting your life. 

All licensed South African operators promote responsible gambling through dedicated tools, support links, and clear player protection policies.

How Many People in South Africa Gamble Online?

Online gambling continues to grow in South Africa. According to the National Gambling Board and various 2023–2024 market reports, over 50% of adult South Africans participate in some form of gambling, with millions now using online betting and casino platforms. 

The industry generated a record R74.9 billion in 2024/25, a 26% jump from the previous year's R59.3 billion. Sports betting remains the fastest-growing category, particularly among players aged 18–34.

Responsible Gambling Statistics South Africa

According to the National Gambling Board’s 2024/2025 annual report:

• Nearly 1 in 3 gamblers now show signs of problem gambling (31%)

• Over 1 million counseling calls received (1,013,626), more than 7 times higher than the previous year

• Problem gambling referrals surged 55% to 4,166 people seeking help:

  • 3,090 identified as problem gamblers

  • 902 requested self-exclusion from gambling venues

What Do South Africans Gamble On?

The most popular online gambling activities in South Africa are:

• Sports betting — especially soccer (PSL, EPL, UEFA), rugby, cricket, tennis, and horse racing. Betting now dominates the market at 70% of total gambling revenue (R52.3 billion), growing 46% year-on-year

• Online casino games — video slots, jackpot slots, classic table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat). Traditional casinos now represent 22% of the market (R16.6 billion).

• Lucky numbers / lottery betting

• Live casino games — live blackjack, live roulette, and live game shows

• Virtual sports

What Are the Golden Rules of Responsible Gambling?

Gambling can be entertaining when done safely, but it's easy to lose control. Following these guidelines can help you enjoy gambling responsibly and recognize when it's becoming a problem.

1. Set a budget

Only gamble with money you can genuinely afford to lose. Never use funds meant for rent, groceries, bills, or savings. Treat gambling as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

2. Set time limits

Decide in advance how long you'll gamble, and honor that commitment regardless of whether you're winning or losing. Use alarms or app timers to remind you when it's time to stop.

3. Understand that gambling is a gamble

There are no guaranteed wins, “systems,” or tricks. All games are designed with odds that favor the operator. The outcome is always uncertain. That's the nature of gambling.

4. Never chase losses

Trying to win back money you've lost almost always leads to bigger losses, desperation, and emotional distress. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and walk away.

5. Don’t gamble under the influence

Avoid gambling when drinking alcohol, using drugs, or taking medication that affects your judgment, emotions, or decision-making. Impaired thinking leads to reckless betting and regret.

Self Assessment

If you’re unsure whether your gambling habits are still healthy, the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers a free, anonymous self-check quiz. 

It only takes a few minutes and can help you identify early warning signs.

> Take the quiz here

💡Important: These tools only work if you actually use them. Set your limits before you start playing, when you're thinking clearly, not during a losing streak.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing a Problem With Gambling?

While anyone can develop a gambling problem, certain groups face higher risks. Understanding these risk factors can help you recognise warning signs in yourself or loved ones.

Young adults (18-35 years old)

Youth are the most vulnerable demographic for problem gambling. In South Africa, 2,034 of the 4,166 people (49%) who sought help for gambling problems in 2024/25 were aged 18-35. This age group is heavily targeted by betting advertising and is more likely to use mobile gambling apps.

People with mental health conditions

Those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues are significantly more likely to develop gambling problems. 

Of the 27 psychiatric evaluations conducted in 2024/25, common diagnoses included Major Depressive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Mood Disorder, alongside gambling addiction. Gambling may be used as an unhealthy coping mechanism or escape.

Individuals experiencing financial stress

Ironically, those who can least afford to lose money are often drawn to gambling as a perceived solution. In 2024/25, a concerning trend emerged of social grant recipients increasingly relying on gambling as an additional income source. It’s a dangerous misconception that typically worsens financial hardship.

People with substance use problems

There's a strong link between gambling addiction and alcohol or drug dependency. Problem gamblers often present with multiple addictive behaviours, and substance use impairs judgment, leading to riskier betting decisions.

Those with a family history of addiction

Genetic and environmental factors play a role. If gambling problems, alcoholism, or other addictions run in your family, you're at an elevated risk of developing similar issues.

Men (slightly higher risk)

While both genders are affected, male problem gamblers slightly outnumbered females (2,114 vs. 2,052) among those seeking help. Men are more likely to engage in sports betting and high-risk gambling behaviours.

What Organisations Help With Gambling Awareness and Offer Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these South African organisations provide free, confidential support:

National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)

The NRGP offers 24/7 counselling, referrals, treatment programmes, and educational resources. Their services are free, confidential, and available nationwide.

Services:

• Free 24/7 counseling hotline for crisis support and guidance

• Individual counseling and treatment sessions

• Psychiatric evaluation and inpatient treatment for severe cases

• Online support groups for ongoing recovery

• Employee Assistance Programs for workplace wellness

• Family counseling to help loved ones affected by gambling

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)

A non-profit organisation dedicated to minimising gambling-related harm through education, research, and treatment programs.

Services:

• Public awareness campaigns about responsible gambling

• Research on gambling behaviour and social impact

• Community outreach and prevention programs

• Partnerships with social services for vulnerable groups

Gamblers Anonymous South Africa

A fellowship of people who share their experiences and support each other in recovering from gambling addiction, based on the 12-step program.

Services:

• Free peer support meetings (in-person and online)

• Sponsorship and mentoring from recovering gamblers

• Anonymous, judgment-free environment

• Meetings across major cities

What Apps Block Gambling Websites?

If you need help staying away from online gambling, blocking software can add an extra layer of protection from gambling ads and sites. These apps prevent access to gambling sites across your devices and are difficult to uninstall once activated, helping you stay committed to your decision.

How gambling blockers work

These apps use two main methods to keep you away from gambling sites:

1. Blocking specific domains: They maintain databases of thousands of known gambling websites and automatically block access to them. When you try to visit a blocked site, you'll see an error message or reminder instead.

2. Keyword-based filters: The software scans website content and URLs for gambling-related keywords (like “bet,” “casino,” “poker,” “sports betting”) and blocks sites that match these patterns, even catching new gambling sites not yet in their database.

These are some of the most effective blocking tools available in South Africa.

Underage Gambling in South Africa

Underage gambling is illegal in South Africa, but online access, smartphones, and social media make exposure easier than ever. Minors may be drawn to the excitement of betting games without understanding the financial and emotional risks.

Despite strict laws prohibiting anyone under 18 from gambling, young people can sometimes bypass age verification systems using false information or accessing unregulated sites.

What is the Legal Age to Gamble in South Africa?

The legal gambling age in South Africa is 18 years old. This applies to all forms of gambling, including sports betting, lottery tickets, and scratch cards. 

Licensed operators are required by law to verify the age of all players before allowing them to register accounts or place bets.

How to Protect Minors From Gambling

Keeping children and teenagers away from gambling requires active involvement and preventative measures:

Use parental control apps like Net Nanny

Install content filtering software that blocks gambling websites and apps across all devices your children use. Tools like Net Nanny, Gamban, or BetBlocker prevent access to thousands of betting sites and can monitor online activity.

Do not leave devices unlocked after use

Always lock your phone, tablet, or computer when you're finished using it. Children can easily access gambling apps or websites if devices are left open and unattended.

Set up strong passwords and PINs

Protect your devices, betting accounts, and payment apps with strong passwords that children cannot guess. Enable biometric locks (fingerprint or face recognition) where possible for added security.

Do not leave gambling accounts logged in

Always log out of betting sites and apps after use. If you stay logged in, minors can place bets using your account without needing to verify their age or identity.

Discuss the risks of online gambling openly

Have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your children about gambling. Explain how gambling works, why the odds always favor the house, the risks of addiction, and the financial and emotional harm it can cause. Don't assume they won't encounter it. Educate them before they do.

Why Is Gambling So Harmful to Minors?

Minors lack the emotional and financial maturity to manage gambling responsibly. Early exposure increases the risk of addiction later in life, creates unrealistic ideas about money, and can lead to risky behaviour, debt, and academic decline. 

Gambling can also affect self-esteem and impulse control during crucial developmental years.

Our Tips and Advice for South African Players

Always do your research

Before signing up with any betting site, verify that it's licensed and regulated by a South African Provincial Licensing Authority. Read reviews, check their responsible gambling tools, and understand their terms and conditions. Avoid unlicensed offshore sites that offer no player protections or recourse if something goes wrong.

Don't bet with your gut. Use your head

Emotional betting leads to poor decisions and bigger losses. Never gamble when angry, stressed, desperate for money, or trying to chase losses. Make rational decisions based on limits you've set in advance, not on how you feel in the moment or a "hunch" about a sure win.

Understand the house edge. The house always wins

Every gambling game is designed with a built-in advantage for the operator, known as the house edge. Over time, the math guarantees the house profits while players lose. There are no systems, strategies, or tricks that change this fundamental truth. Treat gambling as paid entertainment, not a way to make money, because in the long run, you will lose more than you win.

Important Responsible Gambling Resources South Africa

If you recognise any of the above signs in yourself or someone you care about, it's time to reach out. Many organizations in South Africa are ready to help those grappling with gambling issues.

🔴  South African Responsible Gambling Foundation

🔴  How to Quit Gambling

🔴  Gamblers Anonymous South Africa

🔴 Recovery Direct

🔴 Crossroads Recovery Centres

🔴 The Cedars