Responsible Gaming Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This document sets out responsible gaming policy, procedures for self-exclusion, access to support services, and obligations concerning problem gambling prevention. All provisions apply to users of gambling services within South Africa. The framework operates in cooperation with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), provincial gambling boards, and the National Gambling Board.

2. Problem Gambling Recognition

2.1. Self-Assessment

Users may assess gambling behaviour using self-check questionnaires provided by SARGF. Indicators requiring attention include:

• Use of funds allocated for essential expenses on gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Neglecting work, family, or personal obligations due to gambling activity
• Attempting to recover gambling losses by continued play
• Feelings of distress or anxiety related to gambling

2.2. User Responsibility

Users are responsible for monitoring their own gambling behaviour and seeking assistance when patterns suggest potential harm.

3. Self-Exclusion Programme

3.1. Exclusion Period and Requirements

Self-exclusion is administered through the nine provincial gambling boards and participating gambling operators as mandated by law. The standard exclusion period is six months. During this period:

• Access to gambling services is prohibited
• Counselling sessions must be completed through arrangements with SARGF
• Exclusion can be lifted only after six months have elapsed and required counselling is completed

3.2. Application Procedure

Self-exclusion forms are available from:

• Provincial gambling boards
• Licensed gambling operators
• SARGF

Completed forms must be submitted to the provincial gambling board holding jurisdiction over the user’s location.

3.3. Enforcement

Upon registration, the self-exclusion applies across participating operators within the relevant jurisdiction. Users are responsible for refraining from accessing gambling venues and services during the exclusion period.

4. Support and Treatment Services

4.1. SARGF Services

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation provides free and confidential support to problem gamblers and their immediate family members, including:

• 24-hour telephone counselling: 0800 006 008
• Email support: [email protected]
• WhatsApp counselling: 076 675 0710
• Face-to-face treatment referrals
• Group and family counselling sessions
• Psychiatric and psychological care as needed
• Crisis and post-trauma support

4.2. Treatment Access

Contact with SARGF is direct and does not require referral. Initial telephone assessment determines appropriate treatment pathways. All outpatient treatment costs are covered by SARGF.

Administrative address: 125 Corlett Drive, Johannesburg, 2018. Enquiries: (011) 581 4800 or [email protected].

4.3. Confidentiality

All services are confidential. Information disclosed in the course of treatment is not shared with operators or authorities without user consent, except where required by law.

5. Operator Obligations

5.1. Information Provision

Operators provide access to responsible gambling materials, including:

• SARGF counselling contact details
• Self-exclusion application instructions
• Self-assessment tools
• Educational content related to gambling risks

5.2. Training and Compliance

Staff undergo training via SARGF courses, such as Responsible Gambling 101, to identify and respond appropriately to problem gambling indicators.

5.3. Regulatory Cooperation

Operators cooperate with provincial and national gambling boards regarding responsible gambling measures and enforcement of self-exclusion registrations.

6. Limitations and User Acknowledgment

6.1. Service Boundaries

Responsible gambling mechanisms and self-exclusion procedures serve as harm reduction measures and do not guarantee full prevention. Users remain primarily responsible for their behaviour.

6.2. Technical Limitations

Self-exclusion applies exclusively to licensed operators within South Africa. Enforcement cannot extend to unlicensed or offshore gambling services.

6.3. Family Member Limitations

Family members may contact SARGF for guidance and counselling. Involuntary exclusion of an adult user requires a legal process and is not part of voluntary self-exclusion programmes.

7. Regulatory Framework

This policy operates under the legislative framework administered by:

• National Gambling Board
• Eastern Cape Gambling Board
• Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority
• Gauteng Gambling Board
• KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulator Authority
• Limpopo Gambling Board
• Mpumalanga Economic Regulator
• Northern Cape Gambling Board
• North West Gambling Board
• Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

Procedures and requirements may vary by province. Users should confirm details with the relevant provincial board.

8. Additional Resources

Gamblers Anonymous South Africa provides independent peer support. Details are available at gamblersanonymous.org.za.

The biennial Responsible Gambling Summit brings together stakeholders for policy development and discussion of harm prevention and best practices.

9. Policy Updates

This policy may be amended in response to regulatory changes or developments in responsible gambling practice. Updates are communicated via standard notification channels.

Current information on responsible gambling services is available at responsiblegambling.org.za or through the SARGF 24-hour helpline.