Enjoying South African online casino gambling responsibly

Problem Gambling Online

As a South African Internet casino fan, one of your favourite pastimes is playing the latest slots, blackjack, roulette and other table games online. There's skill involved in playing, the thrill in winning, and the non-stop excitement of being part of an electrifying gaming environment every time you log on.

But where does responsible gaming end, and gambling addiction begin? Have you ever wondered as to whether your gambling may be out of control, and if so, what steps to take in order to get your game play back on track? Whether you feel you need to keep a closer eye on your online gaming or not, it's always useful to know more about gambling addiction, and how to play responsibly whenever you logon. Luckily, our experts' selection of top South African online casinos all support responsible gaming, and have procedures in place to help you monitor your game play and keep your behaviour in check. Sign up with any of our recommended casino picks today, and find out:

  • How to play responsibly at your favourite online casino
  • How to identify gambling addiction, and how to treat it
  • Which online casinos support responsible gaming

Gambling responsibly at South African casinos online

It's a phrase we hear all the time with regards to personal finance - "Never live beyond your means". And while it's not exactly the same when it comes to online gambling, the core message remains the same - "Never gamble with more than you can afford to spend". If you're concerned in any way about your gambling behaviour, or the behaviour of a friend, that one simple statement is all you need to remember to keep yourself, or your loved ones on track. Set yourself a specific online gambling budget, stick to it at all times, and make sure to always play within your self-imposed limits. Simple.

Of course as with anything in life, it's easier said than done which is why many top South African online casinos, including those recommended by our experts, have a number of features in place to help ensure you stay within your spending limits. These include:

  • Age restrictions: Only adults 18 or older (or even 21 or older in some jurisdictions) are legally allowed to gamble, whether online or in land-based casinos.
  • Limits: From session limits to deposit, loss, and wagering limits as well, many reputable online gaming sites can help you control your gaming by keeping track of how long you spend gambling, as well as limiting how much you deposit, lose and wager per week.
  • Self-exclusion: If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, many online casinos will allow you to lock your account temporarily and take a breather, whether for a few days or a few months. In extreme cases you may also be able to lock your account permanently, and request that the online casino not allow you to reopen it.

On top of this, most licensed and regulated online casinos will have a page dedicated to gambling addiction and responsible gambling, with links to external sites and support groups that can give you any further advice and help you may need.

Understanding gambling addiction

While the thrill of online casino gaming lies in the actual playing of the game the skill involved in playing cards, placing bets, and predicting outcomes, every so often it happens that a player becomes more invested in the end result of a game, than the game itself. When this happens, players can sometimes go on to exhibit signs of compulsive behaviour playing for hours on end, ignoring their responsibilities, and making deposits with funds earmarked for necessities such as rent, food and petrol.

Should you be concerned as to whether you, a family member or a loved one is exhibiting signs of gambling addiction, there are professional institutions that you can contact for help and support. These include organisations such as www.responsiblegambling.co.za, www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.gamcare.org.uk/. The sooner you contact them, the sooner you or your loved one will have access to the tools and support necessary for healing and moving forward.

As part of the checks, reviews and tests our experts conduct on reputable South African online casinos, one of the features they look out for is a commitment to responsible gaming and support for gambling addiction. What that means for you is that no matter which of our approved casinos you choose, you can rest assured it's one that'll always have your back. So take your pick of our recommended gaming sites today and look forward not only to the best in online gambling, but the best in support and understanding as well.