Keep it fun, keep it in budget

Get help now

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation runs a helpline for gambling support: 0800 006 008. More at responsiblegambling.org.za.

Rules worth setting

• Decide your rand limit before you open the cashier.
• Only use money you can afford to lose.
• Set a timer and stop when it rings.
• Never chase losses.
• Take breaks, and don't play when tired, upset or drinking.

Warning signs

• Spending more than planned, again and again.
• Hiding your play from family.
• Borrowing to gamble.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when you stop.

Bonuses and pressure

A bonus with 15x playthrough can make you feel you need to keep going. You don't. You can stop playing at any time. Bonus funds aren't withdrawable until wagering is complete, but that isn't a reason to keep spending.

18+ only.

Make your limit a real amount

Choose a rand amount you can lose without affecting food, housing, transport or other commitments. If there's no spare money after those costs, don't deposit. Keep gambling money separate from everyday spending, and never borrow to make room for a session.

Set a deposit limit before you play. If account controls are available, use them, but keep your own written limit too. Count every deposit towards it, including small top-ups. Don't reset the amount in your head because a new session has started or because you had a win earlier.

Give yourself a clear stopping point

Choose when you'll stop before opening a game and set an alarm you can hear. When it rings, close the game and do something away from the screen. Don't turn a short break into a reason to add more money or extend the evening.

If you're thinking about recovering a loss, stop for the day. A previous loss doesn't make the next bet safer. You don't owe a bonus another hour of your time, and you don't have to complete wagering just because you've already started.

When keeping to limits feels difficult

Talk to someone you trust and tell them what has been happening. You don't need a perfect explanation or a particular amount of debt before asking for help. You can start with something simple: you're spending more time or money on gambling than you want to.

Ask the casino about any account closure, cooling-off or self-exclusion options it provides. Don't assume those controls are already active; check what the instructions say and ask for confirmation. You can also remove gambling shortcuts and turn off promotional messages to give yourself some breathing room.

If you're worried about someone close to you, offer to sit with them while they contact the helpline. Listen without arguing about individual bets. Keep shared household money protected and avoid lending money for more gambling.