Problem Gambling Line
The Problem Gambling Line is South Africa's primary gambling support helpline:
- Phone: 0800 006 008 (toll-free, 24 hours)
- Operated by the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)
- Provides free counselling referrals, self-help resources, and crisis support
National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)
The NRGP is a public-private partnership funded by the gambling industry under a levy administered by the National Gambling Board. It operates the Problem Gambling Line, funds treatment centres, and runs public awareness campaigns. Key NRGP services:
- Counselling referrals: access to licensed counsellors specialising in gambling disorder
- Treatment centre network: residential and outpatient treatment for severe gambling disorder
- Financial counselling: debt management and financial recovery resources for those with gambling-related debt
- Family support: resources for family members affected by a relative's gambling
Self-Exclusion
South Africa does not currently operate a national multi-operator self-exclusion register equivalent to GamStop or BetStop. Self-exclusion is available at individual operator level through each site's responsible gambling tools. If you want a comprehensive exclusion, you must contact each licensed operator separately.
Provincial gambling boards may maintain their own exclusion registers for land-based venues. Check with the relevant provincial board for the province in which you primarily gamble.
Tools at Licensed SA Betting Sites
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly, and monthly limits available at most licensed operators
- Cool-off periods: temporary account suspension ranging from 24 hours to 30 days
- Self-exclusion: operator-level account closure, typically for a minimum of 6 months
- Betting history: access to full transaction and wagering history on request
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the problem gambling helpline in South Africa?
- The Problem Gambling Line is 0800 006 008, free and available 24 hours a day. It is operated by the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) and provides free counselling referrals and crisis support.
- Is there a national self-exclusion scheme in South Africa?
- No. South Africa does not have a national multi-operator online self-exclusion register. Self-exclusion is available at individual operator level. To exclude from multiple sites, you must contact each operator separately. This is an area the NGB has been reviewing.