Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money. In South Africa only people aged 18 and over may gamble legally. If you feel gambling is getting out of control, call the free, confidential, 24-hour counselling line on 0800 006 008.
Only use legal products
Legal gambling in South Africa includes provincially licensed land-based casinos, sports and horse-racing betting, limited payout machines and bingo, and the National Lottery. Online casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack, live dealer and so on) are illegal in South Africa, and the National Gambling Board (NGB) restated this on 27 February 2026. Illegal sites are unregulated, may not pay out your winnings, and can expose your personal and bank details. See South Africa’s gambling laws and the gambling section.
Signs of problem gambling
- Spending more money and time on gambling than you planned.
- Chasing losses, with bigger and bigger bets.
- Hiding it from family and friends, or borrowing money or using business funds to gamble.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling, with effects on sleep, work or family.
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth stopping to think, or calling for a chat.
Set your limits
- Set a budget in advance and only use money you can afford to lose, never rent, living costs or your shop’s working capital.
- Set a time limit and an alarm, and leave when it goes off.
- Don’t bet when you have been drinking or are feeling low.
- Licensed betting sites usually offer deposit limits and cooling-off periods; set them up when you open an account.
Self-exclusion
If you want to take a break or stop, you can apply for self-exclusion through a licensed casino or betting operator, or through your provincial gambling board. Under the National Gambling Act, the NGB keeps a national register of excluded persons, who may not take part in legal gambling during the exclusion period. See the NGB website for the process.
Free help
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) runs the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), which offers free, confidential counselling and referral to treatment:
- 24-hour toll-free line: 0800 006 008
- WhatsApp: +27 76 675 0710
- Website: responsiblegambling.org.za
As of October 2026, we found no published information that SARGF offers counselling in Chinese (Mandarin). If English is difficult, ask when you call whether an interpreter can be arranged, or have a family member or friend you trust with you. In an emergency call 112; other helplines are on tools & resources.
FAQ
Is it legal to play online slots in South Africa?
No. Online casino games are illegal in South Africa. Only licensed sports and horse-racing betting can legally be done online.
Does 0800 006 008 cost anything?
No. It is SARGF’s free, confidential, 24-hour counselling line.
Can I cancel a self-exclusion?
Generally not during the exclusion period. The period and how it ends depend on the rules of the operator, the provincial board and the NGB.