1 345 gamblers in crisis. The free help line you can call 24/7

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) says its latest report identified 1 345 people in high distress because of gambling, with some contemplating death, IOL reported on Sunday. Help is free: the foundation's counselling line, 0800 006 008, runs 24 hours a day (SARGF).

If you or someone close to you is thinking about suicide, call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, also free and open 24 hours (SADAG).

What did the foundation find?

SARGF chief executive Sibongile Simelane-Quntana told IOL that many people only ask for help once they hit a breaking point, and that some are brought in by family after a suicide attempt that turned out to be linked to gambling (IOL).

The report describes people losing their whole salary on payday, borrowing from moneylenders to keep betting, and chasing another big win after an early one. Simelane-Quntana said heavy gambling often goes with drinking and drug use, and that shame keeps many people hiding it from partners and family. Students are affected too, as betting apps make gambling available on any phone (IOL).

Where can you get free help?

• SARGF counselling line: 0800 006 008, toll-free, 24/7 (SARGF)
• SARGF WhatsApp: 076 675 0710 (SARGF)
• Email: [email protected] (National Gambling Board)
• Gamblers Anonymous SA: 083 783 5717 (KwaZulu-Natal) or 060 624 7140 (Gauteng), as listed by IOL
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours (SADAG)

What happens when you call?

A counsellor does a screening to judge how serious the problem is, then refers you to an accredited professional in the foundation's national network for outpatient sessions. People with a gambling disorder get eight sessions, and people who have self-excluded get four. It costs nothing (SARGF, SARGF).

The foundation's site also has a self-screening questionnaire based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. It flags risk but isn't a diagnosis (SARGF).

How do you ban yourself from gambling?

South African law lets anyone exclude themselves from gambling (Gauteng Gambling Board).

1. Ask the casino, betting operator or your provincial gambling board for a self-exclusion form. At venues, the security department handles it. The operator sends the forms to the provincial board and the National Gambling Board (National Gambling Board).
2. The ban lasts at least six months, and you can't take part in any gambling activity during that time (National Gambling Board).
3. Breaking it can get you refused entry and, in some cases, charged with trespassing (National Gambling Board).
4. You can only ask to lift it after six months, with proof that you attended counselling with a SARGF treatment professional. In Gauteng, that means at least four sessions, and the board takes up to 30 days to decide. If you don't ask, the ban can stay in place for life (Gauteng Gambling Board).

Is government doing anything about mobile betting?

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in the mid-term budget that government is considering an extra tax on gambling through mobile technology, to make it less accessible (IOL). Reported explained that proposal here.