Responsible Gaming

Safe gambling starts with clear boundaries. These practical strategies help you maintain control and enjoy gaming without negative consequences.

• Set a budget before you play – Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount
• Use deposit limits – Most online casinos let you set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps
• Set time limits – Allocate specific periods for gambling and stick to them
• Never chase losses – Accept losses as part of the game and walk away when your budget runs out
• Take regular breaks – Step away from the screen every 30 to 60 minutes
• Avoid gambling when emotional – Don’t play when you’re stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol
• Keep gambling separate from other activities – Don’t gamble while working, studying, or spending time with family
• Track your spending – Monitor deposits, withdrawals, and time spent gambling regularly
• Know the odds – Understand that the house always has an advantage in the long run
• Seek help early – If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, reach out for support immediately

Recognising warning signs early can prevent serious harm. If you notice these behaviours in yourself or someone you care about, it’s time to seek help.

• Gambling with money you can’t afford to lose – Using funds meant for rent, bills, or food
• Lying about gambling habits – Hiding the amount of time or money spent on gambling from loved ones
• Chasing losses obsessively – Continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back lost money
• Neglecting responsibilities – Missing work, school, or family commitments because of gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble – Taking loans or selling possessions to fund gambling activities
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling – Experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms when you try to stop
• Gambling to escape problems – Using gambling as a way to avoid stress, anxiety, or depression
• Losing interest in other activities – No longer enjoying hobbies or social activities you once valued
• Failed attempts to cut back – Repeatedly trying to stop or reduce gambling without success
• Relationship or financial problems – Experiencing conflict with family or mounting debt due to gambling

Online casino gaming is restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority in Zambia. Operators are required to verify your age during registration to prevent underage gambling. Providing false information about your age is illegal and violates casino terms and conditions. Parents and guardians should monitor children’s internet use and ensure gaming devices are protected from unauthorised access.

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows you to voluntarily block your access to online casinos for a set period. Most reputable operators in Zambia offer self-exclusion options ranging from one month to permanent closure. Once activated, you cannot access your account or create new accounts during the exclusion period. This feature gives you time to step back, seek help, and regain control. If you feel gambling is affecting your life negatively, self-exclusion provides immediate protection. Contact customer support at your casino to activate this option, or use national self-exclusion schemes if available.

You don’t have to face gambling problems alone. Several organisations in Zambia provide confidential support, counselling, and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

• Zambia Mental Health Association – Offers counselling services and referrals for addiction support throughout the country
• Chainama Hills College Hospital – Provides psychiatric services including treatment for gambling addiction and related mental health issues
• Fountain of Hope Zambia – A counselling centre that addresses various addiction issues including problem gambling
• Lifeline Zambia – Offers telephone counselling and crisis intervention for individuals facing mental health challenges
• Church-based counselling services – Many religious organisations across Zambia provide free or low-cost counselling for addiction issues
• GamCare (international helpline) – Provides online support, live chat, and resources accessible from Zambia
• Gamblers Anonymous – International peer support groups that may have meetings or online resources available to Zambian residents

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible when you reach out for support.