Responsible Gambling
At Bookmakers World, we believe that betting should remain a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our aim is to encourage responsible betting and provide practical information for maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling.
Warning signs of problem gambling
- You often think about betting and plan your next wager.
- You bet more money than you can afford to lose.
- You try to recover losses by placing more bets.
- You feel anxious or irritable when you cannot bet.
- You neglect personal or professional responsibilities because of betting.
Self-control tools
Licensed betting operators in South Africa may provide tools that help customers manage their betting activity, such as:
- Deposit limits: setting a maximum amount that can be deposited over a selected period.
- Time reminders and session controls: tools that help you monitor or limit the time spent on a betting site.
- Self-exclusion: a formal option to restrict access to gambling activities for a selected period and seek support.
Support and resources in South Africa
If betting is causing problems for you or someone close to you, seek professional help as early as possible. South African players can contact dedicated responsible gambling support services:
- South African Responsible Gambling Foundation – free and confidential treatment and counselling for people affected by problem gambling and their immediate family members.
- National Responsible Gambling Programme – education, research, treatment and self-exclusion support in South Africa.
- Free counselling line: 0800 006 008 – a toll-free support line for people affected by problem gambling in South Africa.
Tips for responsible betting
- Bet only with money that you can afford to lose.
- Set a clear budget and stay within it.
- Do not chase losses by increasing stakes after an unsuccessful bet.
- Take regular breaks and avoid betting when you are stressed, angry or emotionally unsettled.
- Treat betting as entertainment, not as a source of income.