Self-Exclusion Guide South Africa

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Natalia
Reviewed by NataliaFounder & Lead Tester

If you’ve decided you need to stop gambling — whether for a break or permanently — self-exclusion is the formal mechanism that puts a barrier between you and gambling platforms. If you’re not sure whether you need this step, start with our responsible gambling hub or check the problem gambling signs guide. It’s free, it’s confidential, and it’s available at every SA-licensed operator. If you’re reading this page, you’ve already taken an important step. That takes courage. The process below is simpler than you might think.

This guide covers every self-exclusion option available to South African players. I verified each process in March 2026 by reviewing the account settings at every major SA-licensed operator. See our editorial methodology for how we document responsible gambling tools. Note that menu locations and exact procedures may change with app updates — the steps below were accurate at time of writing.

What self-exclusion does

When you self-exclude, the operator locks your account for a set period. You cannot log in, deposit, place bets, or access games. If you try to open a new account during the exclusion period, the operator is required to detect and block it (in practice, this works reliably at SA-licensed operators).

It works.

Self-exclusion doesn’t cancel pending withdrawals — any winnings owed to you will still be processed.

Option 1: Self-exclude at individual operators

The fastest method. Each SA-licensed operator offers self-exclusion through their account settings or customer support.

Hollywoodbets

  1. Log into your account
  2. Go to My Account → Responsible Gambling
  3. Select Self-Exclusion
  4. Choose your period: 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months, or permanent
  5. Confirm — your account is locked immediately

To reverse a non-permanent exclusion, you must wait the full period. Permanent exclusion requires contacting support and a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period before reactivation.

Betway SA

  1. Log in → My Account → Responsible Gambling
  2. Select Self-Exclusion or Take a Break
  3. Choose your period
  4. Confirm

Supabets

  1. Contact customer support via live chat or email
  2. Request self-exclusion for your chosen period
  3. Support will process the request — usually within 24 hours

Offshore casinos

Springbok Casino and other offshore operators may offer self-exclusion, but enforcement is weaker. Without SA regulatory oversight, there’s less accountability if you request reactivation and they comply too easily.

Option 2: National Register of Excluded Persons

For comprehensive exclusion across ALL licensed gambling in South Africa — online and physical casinos, betting shops, and gambling venues — apply to the National Register of Excluded Persons maintained by the National Gambling Board (NGB).

How to apply

Phone: 010 003 3475 (National Gambling Board)

In person: Visit the NGB offices in Centurion, Pretoria, or contact your provincial gambling board:

ProvinceGambling BoardContact
Western CapeWCGRB021 480 7400
GautengGGB011 581 4800
KwaZulu-NatalKZNGBB031 368 8200
MpumalangaMER013 752 2557

What you need: Your ID number and a written request specifying the exclusion period (minimum 1 year for the National Register).

Once on the register, all SA-licensed operators are legally required to refuse you access. This includes online platforms and physical venues. The register is checked against new account registrations.

Limitations: The National Register only covers SA-licensed operators. Offshore casinos (Springbok, Europa, etc.) are not bound by it.

Option 3: Block gambling at the bank level

An additional layer of protection — also consider setting deposit limits as a less drastic first step. Some SA banks allow you to block gambling-related transactions on your cards:

Capitec: Contact support to request gambling transaction blocks on your card FNB: FNB already blocks many gambling transactions by default — but you can request a comprehensive block through their contact centre Other banks: Call your bank and ask about gambling merchant category blocks

This prevents deposits even if you create new accounts at casinos. Combined with self-exclusion, it creates a stronger barrier.

Option 4: Phone and app-level blocks

Android

  • Go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Focus mode
  • Add casino apps to your blocked list
  • Or uninstall casino apps entirely and use Google Family Link to restrict app installation

iPhone

  • Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • Block specific websites and app categories
  • Set a Screen Time passcode that someone you trust knows (not you)

Network-level

  • Some routers and DNS services (like CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS) can block gambling domains entirely. Ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to configure this on your home Wi-Fi.

What to expect after self-exclusion

The first week is hardest. Gambling creates dopamine patterns similar to other addictive behaviours. Expect urges, restlessness, and possibly irritability. This is normal and it passes.

Fill the time. Gambling takes up more time than you think. Find replacement activities — exercise, social time, anything that occupies the same time slots.

Tell someone. Self-exclusion is more effective when someone you trust knows about it. They can support you during moments of temptation.

Get professional support. The NRGP offers free counselling:

Counselling is confidential and free. You don’t need to have “hit rock bottom” to reach out — the earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes.

Can you reverse self-exclusion?

Temporary exclusions (24 hours to 6 months) expire automatically. Your account reactivates after the period ends.

Permanent exclusion can be reversed at most operators, but requires a cooling-off period (typically 7 days) and may involve speaking with a responsible gambling representative. The NGB National Register requires a formal application for removal.

Our honest advice: if you’ve self-excluded, use the full period. The temptation to reverse early is part of the pattern that led to self-exclusion in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I self-exclude from offshore casinos like Springbok?

You can request it, but enforcement is weaker. Offshore operators aren’t bound by the SA National Register of Excluded Persons. If you self-exclude at Springbok directly, there’s less regulatory accountability to ensure it’s enforced. For comprehensive protection, combine self-exclusion with bank-level blocks.

How long does self-exclusion last?

It depends on the option you choose. Most SA operators offer 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months, or permanent exclusion. The National Register requires a minimum of 1 year. Permanent exclusion can be reversed but requires a formal cooling-off period.

Will self-exclusion cancel my pending withdrawal?

No. Any winnings owed to you will still be processed and paid out. Self-exclusion locks your account for future activity — it doesn’t affect existing financial obligations from the casino to you.

Can someone else request self-exclusion on my behalf?

Family members can contact the NRGP (0800 006 008) for guidance, but self-exclusion is typically a personal decision. The National Gambling Board may accept third-party applications in exceptional circumstances, but operator-level exclusion requires the account holder’s request.

If you’re reading this page, you’ve already taken an important step. The NRGP helpline — 0800 006 008 — is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You’re not alone.