Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At The African Dance Theatre, we believe that online casino gaming should be enjoyed purely as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. It's important to approach gambling with the right mindset: the money you spend should be money you can afford to lose, just like any other form of entertainment.
Gambling carries risk, and we encourage all our visitors to gamble responsibly and within their means.
Age Verification
In South Africa, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. All online casinos operating in South Africa must verify that players meet this legal requirement.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling websites or place bets. Age verification is a legal requirement and a critical safeguard.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what was lost
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or loved ones
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills, medication)
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Lying about gambling activities or the amount of money spent
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or control gambling behavior
If you identify with any of these warning signs, please consider reaching out to a support organization.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Responsible online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake you can place on individual bets or games
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that interrupt gameplay at regular intervals to help you keep track of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites to take a break
- Account Cooling Off: Take a voluntary break from gambling for a set period
- Spend Tracker: Monitor your total spending across all gambling activities
We recommend discussing these tools with your chosen casino operator and utilizing them as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations offering support:
South Africa
- National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP): South Africa's primary resource for gambling-related support and information
- Gamblers Anonymous South Africa: Free support meetings and community-based help
- South African Gambling Research Exchange (SAGRE): Research and resources on responsible gambling
International Organizations
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk – Free confidential support and counselling
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Counselling and support services
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org – Prevention, treatment, and research resources
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org – Help line and support resources
All of these organizations offer confidential support and can help you access treatment options if needed.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Whether you're experiencing gambling urges, financial difficulties due to gambling, or relationship problems stemming from gambling activities, support is available. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can work toward recovery.
Don't wait. If gambling is causing problems in your life, contact a support organization or speak with a mental health professional today.
Remember: You are not alone. Millions of people have successfully managed or overcome gambling problems with proper support. Help is just a phone call or message away.