Why do we need a programme like this?

For the overwhelming majority of people, gambling is harmless recreational entertainment.  However, for a small proportion of people (estimated internationally at 5% of regular gamblers), excessive gambling may become a problem, and in some, may result in damaging compulsive addictive behaviour.  The NRGP would like to provide help to these people, so that they can regain control of their lives.

To send a confidential e-mail to the National Responsible Gaming Programme:
counsellor@responsiblegambling.co.za or call tollfree 0800 006 008

How does it work?
There are three components:

Education and prevention
Education of the public at large and of gamblers in particular, aimed at the prevention of gaming problems; as well as in-house training for industry staff and people in NGOs and government on the identification and management of problem gambling. New education programmes, aimed specifically at senior citizens, and schools, are now operating in Gauteng and the Western Cape, and it is hoped to take this initiative countrywide in the near future.  Contact Hazel Petrig at hazel@responsiblegambling.co.za

Treatment and Counselling
A unique component of the programme is the Tollfree Helpline 0800 006 008 for problem gamblers, their families and friends, backed by a national network of multi-lingual professional counselling and treatment services in 37 cities and towns in southern Africa.  See this geographic distribution at www.responsiblegambling.co.za

NB Treatment and counselling are available free of charge to everyone requiring help with gambling problems, not just to gamblers at casinos.

Research
This ensures that the effectiveness of the programme is constantly monitored, and additionally, provides an up-to-date resource of valuable scientific data on gaming trends and behaviour in South Africa, and the world. It also enables the programme to test itself against international best practice. Contact research co-ordinator Clive Keegan on keegan@responsiblegambling.co.za

Who is behind the Programme?
The NRGP is a public/private sector initiative, overseen by the SA Responsible Gambling Trust, comprising an equal number of representatives from government and industry.

Dr Vincent Maphai is the chairperson of the trust, and his deputy is Mr Chris Fismer, who is also chairperson of the National Gambling Board.

It is funded by the private sector, and additionally, receives public grants for special projects.

It is managed by independent experts at the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation.  Professor Peter Collins is the executive director and he can be contacted on execdir@responsiblegambling.co.za

If you stick to these rules you can avoid problem gambling.

Decide beforehand how much money you can afford to spend. Stick to your limit. If you lose, don't try to recoup your losses. You may lose even more. Be aware of how often and how long you play. If you find you are gaming more often than you can afford, you may have a problem. When you are winning, take occasional breaks. Think about the right time to stop. Remember, gaming should be for leisure and entertainment - it is not a way to get rich quickly, or pay off your debts. Gaming is all about chance - there are no systems or formulas to guarantee success

What about children?
PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GAMBLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

Be sure that you always know what your children are doing. Gaming responsibly means never leaving children unattended. Most casinos offer crèches and supervised childcare amenities - use them, but don't leave your children for long periods of time just because there is someone looking after them. Take time to enjoy the wide variety of family entertainment available at most casinos. Do not ask your children to buy your lottery tickets. How will I know if I, or someone I know has a gambling problem? There are certain definite warning signs that a person has a gambling problem.

If you are not sure, why not answer the questions on the self check questionnaire. They will give you a good idea as to whether you should seek help.

For the overwhelming majority of people, gaming is recreational fun. However, for a small proportion of people can develop a gambling dependency, and may even result in compulsive addictive behaviour.

Where to find help?
If you feel you may have a gambling problem, we encourage you to contact the NRGP helpline as soon as possible, before things get any worse.

The Responsible Gambling Helpline 0800 006 008

• The Helpline is not restricted to gamblers, but is also available to spouses, friends, children, parents, health-care professionals and staff from the gaming industry.
• The helpline covers the assessment of a possible gambling problem, advice, and intervention planning - in the case of a third party who may have a gaming problem.
• Here problem gamblers and their families will receive the sympathetic advice and free professional counselling that is vital to initiating the recovery process. 
• Life skills counselling, for example, in debt management and legal affairs, will be available shortly.
• The national network of treatment and counselling services is co-ordinated by NRGP deputy director, Dr Rodger Meyer.  Contact Rodger on rodger@responsiblegambling.co.za  

In Patient Facilities
In certain cases, patients may be referred to in-patient facilities at hospitals/clinics in Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Durban or Johannesburg. The NRGP may be prepared to assist with the cost of such treatment.

Click here to visit the National Responsible Gambling website