Responsible Gambling Guide
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of income or stress. At betcoza.net, we take responsible gambling seriously and encourage all players to set limits, take breaks, and seek help if gambling stops being fun.
Need Help? Contact These Organisations
National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)
0800 006 008
Free, confidential helpline available 24/7
Gamblers Anonymous South Africa
Support groups across South Africa — visit www.gasouthafrica.org.za
SANCA
011 892 3829
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
LifeLine South Africa
0861 322 322
Emotional support and counselling services
Signs of Problem Gambling
Spending more than you can afford
You regularly exceed your gambling budget, dip into savings, or use money meant for bills and necessities.
Chasing losses
After losing, you feel compelled to keep gambling to try to win back what you've lost, often making the situation worse.
Borrowing money to gamble
You've borrowed from friends, family, or taken out loans specifically to fund gambling activities.
Neglecting responsibilities
Work, family obligations, social commitments, or personal hygiene suffer because of time spent gambling.
Emotional distress around gambling
You feel anxious, irritable, guilty, or depressed about your gambling behaviour but can't seem to stop.
Lying about gambling
You hide the extent of your gambling from loved ones, lie about losses, or minimise how much time you spend gambling.
How to Self-Exclude
Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling platforms for a set period. Here's how:
- 1. Log into your casino or betting account and navigate to "Responsible Gambling" or "Account Settings"
- 2. Select "Self-Exclusion" and choose a timeframe (6 months, 1 year, or permanent)
- 3. Confirm the exclusion — your account will be locked and you won't be able to log in or place bets
- 4. Contact the NRGP on 0800 006 008 to register for the National Self-Exclusion Programme across all licensed SA operators
Setting Deposit & Time Limits
Most reputable casinos allow you to set the following limits:
- • Deposit limits — Set daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amounts
- • Loss limits — Cap the total amount you can lose in a given period
- • Wager limits — Restrict total bet amounts per session
- • Session time limits — Get alerts or automatic logout after a set playing duration
- • Cooling-off periods — Take a short break (24 hours to 6 weeks) from gambling
💡 Tip: Set limits BEFORE you start playing. It's much harder to set limits in the heat of a session.
Time Management Tips
Set a phone alarm for your session time limit
Never gamble when tired, stressed, or under the influence
Schedule other activities after gambling sessions
Take regular 15-minute breaks during long sessions
Use the casino's built-in session timer if available
Keep a gambling diary to track time and money spent
Resources for Family Members
If someone you love has a gambling problem, you're not alone. Here's how you can help:
- • Educate yourself — Learn about problem gambling so you can understand what they're going through
- • Don't enable — Avoid lending money or covering their debts from gambling
- • Express concern without judgement — Use "I" statements and share how their behaviour affects you
- • Seek support — Call the NRGP (0800 006 008) for guidance on how to help a loved one
- • Protect finances — Consider separate bank accounts and financial safeguards
Why Age Verification Matters
In South Africa, you must be 18 or older to gamble. Age verification protects minors from:
- • Developing gambling habits before they can make informed decisions
- • Financial harm from spending money they don't have
- • Psychological impacts of gambling losses at a young age
Reputable casinos verify age through ID documents (SA ID, passport, or driver's licence) before allowing withdrawals.
Interactive Responsible Gambling Tools
Self-Assessment Quiz
Answer honestly — no data is stored. This is for your eyes only.
Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
Gambling Budget Calculator
Work out a safe monthly gambling budget. No data is stored — calculations happen in your browser.
Session Timer
Set a time limit for your gambling session. You'll get a browser notification when time is up.