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YesPlay South Africa Responsible Gaming

YesPlay South Africa is more than just a betting platform—it is a responsible gaming environment committed to player welfare. In collaboration with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), YesPlay actively works to ensure its players can enjoy gambling safely and responsibly. With clear strategies to prevent addiction, offer support, and allow self-exclusion, YesPlay stands as a model for responsible betting in South Africa.
This article outlines YesPlay’s responsible gambling approach, helping customers recognise problem behaviour and understand the tools and support systems available.

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What is Gambling Addiction and What Are the Warning Signs?

Gambling addiction, as defined by the SARGF, is the inability to stop gambling despite its harmful consequences. A person suffering from a gambling problem may continue playing even as it causes financial loss, stress, family problems, or legal issues.

The SARGF describes a problem gambler as someone who has lost control of their gambling habits. This condition can severely impact not only the individual but also those around them—partners, children, colleagues, and friends.

Key Warning Signs Include:

  • Gambling to relieve stress or escape problems
  • Increasing bet sizes in an attempt to recover previous losses
  • Chasing losses continuously
  • Lying about gambling activities
  • Experiencing strained relationships due to gambling behaviour
  • Failing at work or school
  • Feeling irritable when trying to stop
  • Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
  • Committing illegal acts to fund gambling

Recognising these behaviours early can be vital. If you or someone you know fits any of these signs, it is essential to seek help immediately.

National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)

To support those at risk, the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) operates in partnership with South African regulators and gaming providers like YesPlay. This unique initiative is the only one globally that combines prevention, education, research, and treatment in one framework.

The NRGP is available to all South Africans at no cost, providing:

  • Confidential counselling
  • Psychological treatment
  • Educational resources
  • Referral to support groups and networks

A critical feature of the NRGP is its ability to exclude addicted individuals from participating in gambling activities. This intervention helps to break harmful cycles and protect vulnerable users from further damage.

If you need help, YesPlay encourages you to contact:

What is Self-Exclusion and How Does It Work?

Self-exclusion is a formal process that allows players to voluntarily remove themselves from gambling environments. This protective measure can be temporary or permanent and is backed by South African law.

How to Request Self-Exclusion from YesPlay:
If you feel that your betting habits are becoming problematic—spending too much, losing control, or betting for the wrong reasons—you can email [email protected] to request self-exclusion.

The request can be:

  • Temporary (1 to 3 months): The account will be suspended for the specified period.
  • Permanent (6 months): The account will be closed and all funds returned.

During Exclusion, You Will Not Be Able To:

  • Deposit funds into your YesPlay account
  • Place any bets (games, sports, or events)
  • Receive promotional or marketing material

This programme is especially useful for individuals who recognise the need for a break or complete disconnection from gambling activity. YesPlay and the NRGP also offer counselling and support to the family members of those excluded, recognising the broad impact of problem gambling.

YesPlay’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling

YesPlay is deeply committed to fostering a safe betting culture. The platform integrates responsible gaming principles directly into its operational policies, striving to ensure that gambling remains a form of entertainment—not a source of harm.

Key Measures Implemented by YesPlay:

  • Monitoring behaviour for signs of risky activity
  • Providing accessible information about addiction and help channels
  • Collaborating with SARGF and NRGP to apply national-level guidelines
  • Respecting self-exclusion requests promptly and responsibly
  • Training staff to recognise and respond to at-risk behaviour

These steps align with YesPlay’s mission of providing a fun, secure, and socially responsible experience for all South African players.

When to Seek Help

While many people gamble occasionally without issue, for some, it can become an unhealthy obsession. The tipping point is often subtle, and by the time financial or emotional damage occurs, it may already be difficult to stop.

If you or someone you know:

  • Gambles to escape problems
  • Spends more than intended
  • Feels guilt or anxiety after gambling
  • Hides gambling activities
  • Is in debt because of betting

Then now is the time to act. Contact the NRGP helpline or speak to YesPlay support about self-exclusion. Getting help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Final Thoughts

YesPlay South Africa believes that betting should be safe, enjoyable, and within your control. In partnership with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and the NRGP, the platform provides a framework of support, self-exclusion, and awareness to protect all players.

Gambling addiction is a serious issue, but with the right tools and a responsible operator like YesPlay, it can be managed and even prevented entirely.

If you are concerned about your gaming habits or those of someone close to you, don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier relationship with gambling.

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