Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary, legislated programme that allows you to exclude yourself from gambling activities. In South Africa, it is governed by the National Gambling Act 7 of 2004 and administered by the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) in partnership with provincial gambling boards.

Once excluded, licensed operators are legally obligated to refuse your participation in gambling activities for the duration of your exclusion period. The minimum exclusion period is 6 months.

The NRGP is South Africa's primary responsible gambling support body, integrating education, research, and treatment.

• Free helpline: 0800 006 008 (toll-free, 24/7)

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: responsiblegambling.org.za

• SMS: Send "help" to 43366

During your exclusion period, the NRGP offers free counselling and support services at no cost to you.

Each provincially licensed operator is required by law to maintain a self-exclusion programme. To self-exclude:

Step 1: Contact the operator directly via their responsible gambling page, live chat, or customer support

Step 2: Complete their self-exclusion form and verify your identity (FICA documents may be required)

Step 3: Your exclusion is entered into the operator's system and, where applicable, into the national register

Step 4: Contact the NRGP (0800 006 008) for counselling support during your exclusion period

South Africa's provincial gambling boards each maintain self-exclusion registers that cover licensed venues and online platforms in their jurisdiction:

• Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB): ggb.org.za — contact the helpdesk to be added to the Gauteng self-exclusion register

• Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board (WCGRB): wcgrb.co.za — online and venue self-exclusion available

• KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board (KZNGB): kzngb.co.za

• Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGBB): ecgbb.co.za

Registering with the relevant provincial board ensures your exclusion covers all licensed operators in that province.

• Bet more than you can afford to lose

• Borrow money to fund gambling

• Neglect work, family, or personal health because of gambling

• Feel anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling

• Chase losses by gambling more to try to win back money

• Lie to family or friends about your gambling behaviour

• Gamblers Anonymous South Africa: gamblersanonymous.org.za

• SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 0800 21 22 23 — sadag.org

• GamCare (international helpline): gamcare.org.uk — +44 808 8020 133

• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 — lifelinesa.co.za

Online casino-style gambling in South Africa is currently in a state of regulatory flux following the October 2025 SCA ruling. If you are concerned about the legal status of a platform you are using, contact the National Gambling Board on 010 003 3475 or visit ngb.org.za to verify an operator's licence status.