Responsible Gambling

Recognizing a Gambling Problem

Gambling addiction can affect anyone. It is important to be honest with yourself about your habits. You may be at risk if you experience any of the following:

• Spending more money or time on the lottery than you can afford or originally planned.
• Borrowing money, selling personal items, or using bill money to buy tickets.
• "Chasing losses"—playing more to try and win back money you have already lost.
• Lying to friends or family members about how much you play.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when you are unable to gamble.

Rules for Safe Play

To keep the lottery fun and safe, we recommend following these standard responsible play guidelines:

• Entertainment Only: Treat lottery tickets as an entertainment expense, not a primary way to make money or an investment strategy.
• Set a Strict Budget: Decide on a fixed amount you are willing to lose each month, and stick to it regardless of the jackpot size.
• Play When Sober: Avoid buying tickets or making gambling decisions when under the influence of alcohol or experiencing emotional distress.
• Take Breaks: If you find yourself obsessively checking numbers or playing every single draw, take a forced break for a few weeks.

Self-Exclusion Options

If you feel you are losing control, South Africa offers a National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) self-exclusion process. This legal mechanism allows you to ban yourself from participating in licensed gambling activities for a minimum of six months.

You can request self-exclusion directly through your online betting provider (such as Hollywoodbets or Betway), or by contacting the NRGP helpline.

Protection of Minors

18+ Only: It is strictly illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to play the South African National Lottery or use online betting platforms.

If you share your computer or mobile device with minors, we highly recommend using parental control software (such as NetNanny or CyberPatrol) to block access to gambling-related websites and apps.

National Resources (SARGF)

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) offers free counseling, outpatient treatment, and support for problem gamblers and their families across the country.