Responsible Gambling

In Africa, the promotion of responsible gambling practices during EURO 2024 signifies a crucial effort to cultivate a safe gaming atmosphere and protect the welfare of individuals participating in the event.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling signifies the ability of individuals to engage in various forms of gaming, such as sports betting, while maintaining balance in their personal lives and avoiding negative consequences.

Assessing Gambling Behavior

If you suspect that you may be struggling with gambling issues, we have devised a set of questions designed to help you evaluate your situation honestly. If more than half of these questions resonate with you, we strongly advise seeking assistance.

1. Do you experience feelings of guilt after placing bets of a certain amount?
2. Do you believe that wagering large sums of money fulfills your needs?
3. Do you struggle to stop gambling after experiencing losses?
4. Has gambling led to financial, familial, or professional issues?
5. Do you perceive negative impacts on your personal relationships, behavior, or academic performance due to gambling?
6. Do you feel anxious or stressed when abstaining from gambling for a period?
7. Have you experienced any health issues, even minor ones, as a result of gambling?
8. Do you deny having a lack of control over gambling, both to yourself and others?

Assisting Individuals with Gambling Addiction

Preventing addiction in oneself is crucial. But it's also important to support those around you who may be struggling with gambling issues. You can utilize the provided questions to help identify potential signs of addiction in others. These symptoms serve as valuable indicators for recognizing possible addictions.

Financial Indicators:

• Unexplained disappearance of funds from bank accounts or wallets
• Missing household items and valuable possessions
• Persistent financial strain despite having a steady income
• Juggling multiple loans simultaneously
• Unsettled bills and accumulating debts
• Regular borrowing of money from friends, family, or lenders
• Keeping financial records secretive
• Insufficient food supplies at home

Mood and Behavioral Indicators:

• Decline in work performance or attendance
• Noticeable changes in personality or demeanor
• Withdrawal from social interactions and loved ones
• Engagement in manipulative behaviors
• Exhibiting agitation, distress, or anxiety without apparent cause
• Resorting to threats or deceit to influence others
• Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, frustration, or depression

Time Indicators:

• Increased hours spent on gambling activities
• Difficulty completing simple tasks within a reasonable timeframe
• Unexplained absences or secretive behaviors regarding whereabouts
• Consistent tardiness for appointments or commitments
• Frequent absences from work, potentially attributed to excessive gambling.

Protection of Minors and Legal Age

In Africa, it is imperative to adhere to regulations regarding the legal age for online football betting. All reputable sportsbooks mandate individuals to be of a minimum age, typically 18 or 21 years old, to place bets, whether in-person or online, ensuring the protection of minors and compliance with legal standards.

How do bookmakers oversee the prevention of minors accessing their platforms?

Betting platforms utilize various verification methods, such as address, bank account details, or identification, to ascertain a user's age during account registration. However, despite these measures, there remain areas where responsible gambling practices are not prioritized, allowing minors to access gambling services. To assist parents in addressing this concern, we recommend utilizing apps such as Family Link (Google), Qustodio Parental Control, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Locategy, Circle, Koala Safe, and Kids Place. Additionally, Cybersitter and Cyberpatrol offer supplementary protection options for enhanced safety.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Sportsbooks offer several tools to promote responsible gambling among users:

• Deposit Limits. Users can set daily or monthly deposit limits to manage their spending effectively.
• Loss Limits. Similar to deposit limits, users can establish maximum loss thresholds to prevent excessive losses.
• Game Time Limit. This feature enables users to control the duration of their sessions at the sportsbook, automatically ending the session once the set time expires.
• Time Out. Users can take a temporary break from gambling by setting a designated time during which they are unable to access the sportsbook.
• Bet Limit. Sportsbooks impose limits on wager amounts, which can be configured on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
• Transaction History Analysis. Users can review their transaction history, including withdrawals and deposits, to track their wins and losses.
• Self-Exclusion. In cases where users feel unable to manage their gambling behavior, they can opt for self-exclusion, temporarily or permanently restricting access to the sportsbook.
• Self-Assessment. This self-evaluation involves honestly responding to questions, similar to those outlined above, to determine whether you are a suitable candidate to continue engaging in betting activities.

Gambling Aid and Counseling Organizations in Africa

In Africa, several dedicated organizations offer anonymous assistance for responsible gaming, ensuring convenient access to support for users. Notable among them is the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF). It is based in Johannesburg, operates with a focused mission to promote responsible gambling habits. The organization provides confidential support services to individuals seeking help with gambling-related issues. You can reach SARGF at:

• Office Number: +27 11 026 7323

Additionally, organizations like GamCare and GambleAware contribute significantly to the cause. They offer valuable resources and support to promote responsible gaming practices across the continent. You can contact them at:

• GamCare: 0808 8020 133
• GambleAware: +44 (0)7729 120230

Together, these organizations play a crucial role in providing assistance and guidance to individuals striving to maintain healthy gambling habits.

FAQ

Do all betting sites offer assistance for gambling addiction?

All licensed sportsbooks provide dedicated resources for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues.

How can I establish gambling limits?

Each sportsbook offers its own methods for setting limits. Users can find this option on the website or contact customer support for assistance.

What is a Family Link?

Family Link allows parents to set parameters on their children's devices. It includes blocking access to adult content such as gambling websites.

What should I do if I recognize I have a gambling problem?

If you recognize that you have a gambling problem, it's crucial to seek help immediately. Reach out to a professional counselor, therapist, or a gambling addiction helpline for support and guidance on how to address your concerns.