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The Ballie's Table Independent guide · Not a bookmaker
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Help and tools

Responsible gambling

Most bets lose, and bonuses don’t change that. Treat betting as a cost, like a night out, never as a way to make money.

Talk to someone today

The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) offers confidential counselling at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You don’t need to be “bad enough” to call. Family and friends can call too.

Warning signs

Any one of these is worth taking seriously:

  • You bet more than you planned, or more than you can afford to lose.
  • You chase losses, betting again to win back what’s gone.
  • You borrow money, sell things or use money meant for bills to bet.
  • You hide your betting from family or friends, or lie about it.
  • You feel anxious, irritable or low when you’re not betting.
  • Betting is getting in the way of work, study, sleep or relationships.

Tools that help

Deposit limits

Every licensed bookmaker lets you set a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit in your account settings. Set it before you start. Lowering a limit usually takes effect straight away; raising one usually comes with a waiting period, and that’s the point.

Time-outs

A time-out locks your account for a short, fixed period, such as a day, a week or a few weeks. It’s useful after a bad run, or around payday.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion closes your account for a longer period, often six months or more, and stops the bookmaker from marketing to you. You can ask the bookmaker directly, and the National Gambling Board keeps a national self-exclusion register. The NRGP can talk you through it.

Blocking tools

Gambling-blocking apps and browser filters stop betting sites from loading on your phone and computer. Your bank may also let you block gambling transactions on your card. Using both makes it harder to bet on impulse.

Some honest facts

  • Bookmakers set odds so that, over time, they come out ahead. Most bets lose.
  • A bonus is a marketing cost for the bookmaker, with conditions attached. It doesn’t change the odds.
  • No tipster, system or streak makes betting a reliable income.
  • Betting is for adults only. If you’re under 18, you can’t legally bet in South Africa.

If betting stops being fun, talk to someone

The National Responsible Gambling Programme offers confidential counselling at no cost, 24 hours a day.

Read our responsible gambling guide