Time for a time out

When enjoyed in moderation and under a strict budget, gambling can be a fun and exciting way to spend your spare time. Therefore, it’s important for all customers to familiarise themselves with the importance of responsible gambling, which they will use as a guideline on how to become responsible players.

In support of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, we have put together a guide outlining some tips and strategies to help you keep gambling a fun and safe experience.

Read on for safe gambling tips and guidelines on how to become a responsible player. You will also get to understand what it means to be a responsible player and what steps to take when you or someone close to you has a betting problem.

Who can have a gambling problem?

The answer is simple, anyone can have a gambling problem. There are a lot of myths that highly qualified people can’t have gambling problems, which is not true. Like alcohol and cigarettes, gambling can be addictive and can affect anyone. So, it is important to seek professional help if you have a betting problem.

How much will I pay if I need help?

If you need help, you can call helpline on (0800 006 008), which is a toll-free number. Should there be a need to get outpatient treatment from one of the NRGP’s medical teams, all costs will then be covered by the programme, not the customer. Visit the National Responsible Gambling Programme website for more information.

What it means to be a responsible gambler?

Gambling responsibly means taking breaks, not using gambling as a source of income, only gambling with money that you can afford to lose, and setting limits for yourself, both with time and money.

Find balance, set limits, have fun and play safe. Is it embarrassing and shameful to seek help for a gambling problem?

No, because anyone can be affected by gambling problems. However, it is your responsibility to admit it and take the responsible steps. Don’t hesitate to call the national problem gambling helpline on 0800 006 008 for assistance if you have a problem gambling or you know someone who suffers from this problem.

Tips for gambling responsibly

• Surround yourself with other responsible gamblers.

• Be aware of the many gambling myths that could delude you into thinking it’s safe to continue playing despite exceeding your limits.

• Base the success of a gambling session on how much fun you had, as opposed to how much money you walked away with.

• Take regular breaks in between gaming sessions.

• Set a specific budget on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis – and stick to it.

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose and treat any money lost as the cost of entertainment.

• Gamble for entertainment purposes only.

Have a game plan and play responsibly. Educate yourself and know what signs to watch out for in terms of problem gambling.

You should seek help if you’re constantly going over your limits either by spending too much time or too much money.

As part of the National Responsible Gambling campaign to promote responsible gaming and prevent problem gambling, we at World Sports Betting actively supply our customers with resources for safer gambling. We ensure that we speak openly about the warning signs of problem gambling, and make sure that all of our customers have access to the details necessary should they feel the need to seek help.

World Sports Betting supports National Responsible Gambling Awareness.

Remember, it’s more fun when it’s for fun. Play Responsibly!

Visit the National Responsible Gambling Programme website for more information.

Take the Self-Check Quiz or contact the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (details below). The quiz data is anonymous and will not be shared with anyone at World Sports Betting or any other third parties.