18+ · Responsible gambling
Play for fun, stay in control
Betting should be entertainment you can afford, never a way to make money or pay off debt. If it stops being fun, help is free and confidential.
South Africa
National Responsible Gambling Programme
Free, confidential counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling.
0800 006 008Online advice
BeGambleAware.org
Self-assessment tools, practical tips and support for you and the people around you.
Visit BeGambleAware.org18+ only
Gambling is for adults. Every site we feature requires you to be at least 18 and over the legal age where you live, and they verify your identity before paying out. If you share a phone, tablet or computer with anyone under 18, lock your accounts and consider parental-control software.
Simple habits that keep it fun
- Set a budget first. Decide what you can afford to lose before you log in, and stop when it's gone.
- Set a time limit. Know how long you'll play and stick to it.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win it back usually means losing more.
- Don't bet on credit. The sites don't offer credit accounts, and neither should your bank card.
- Keep it separate. Don't gamble when you're stressed, down, or have been drinking.
- Treat bonuses as extras. Wagering rules mean bonus money isn't free cash.
Tools on every site we feature
BetNeptune, AceLucky, LekkerBets and Africa Sports share the same responsible gaming tools. According to their responsible gaming pages you can:
- set daily, weekly and monthly limits on deposits, wagers and losses;
- take a time-out or set a session expiry;
- turn on a reality check that reminds you how long you've been playing;
- self-exclude for a short or long period, from the responsible gaming section, by email or via 24/7 live chat.
The sites say limits "are applied at a network level, covering all accounts held within our network", so a limit you set at one site covers your accounts at the others. The sites also say that changes you make to your limits later "will become effective 7 days after you request them".
Warning signs to look out for
- Spending more money or time than you planned
- Chasing losses to win back what you've lost
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Hiding your betting from people close to you
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not playing
- Missing work, study or family time because of betting
If any of these sound familiar, take a break and call 0800 006 008. Talking to someone early makes a real difference.
Getting help
Who can I call for help in South Africa?
The National Responsible Gambling Programme runs a free helpline on 0800 006 008. It's confidential and you don't need to give your name.
How old do I have to be?
You must be 18 or older. The sites also say you must be over the legal age where you are located, and they check identity before withdrawals.
Can I block myself from all four sites at once?
The sites say limits are applied at network level across all accounts in their network, and you can self-exclude from the responsible gaming section, by email or through 24/7 live chat. Ask support to confirm it covers every account you hold.
What if a friend or family member is struggling?
You can call 0800 006 008 if someone close to you is struggling, not only about your own play. BeGambleAware.org also has advice for friends and family.