Free counselling
The National Responsible Gambling Programme runs a toll-free counselling line on 0800 006 008 and a WhatsApp line on 076 675 0710. The programme is run by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and offers counselling and treatment at no cost to the person calling or to their family.
Self-exclusion
The National Gambling Board's guidance is to approach the operator or the provincial gambling board to be voluntarily excluded. At a bookmaker licensed in South Africa the exclusion is recorded with the board that issued its licence; an international sportsbook handles exclusion under its own terms, with no South African board involved.
Three rules that hold
Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. A welcome bonus is a reason to compare terms, not a reason to deposit more than planned. A bet that has to win to cover rent or a loan is a sign to call the line above before placing it.