Limpopo Gambling Board Final

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING 1. What is problem gambling?

Gambling has been part of the South African culture for a long time and until the promulgation of the Limpopo gambling Act 1996 (no. 4 of 1996) as amended; only a few forms of gambling were regulated in the Limpopo Province. To a greater extent, gambling is an accepted leisure activity and the majority of the population gamble with no adverse consequences. Yet there is a minority of people who end up gambling excessively and often feel rejected, misunderstood and isolated because there is little knowledge in our community about the potential dangers of gambling. Anybody who gambles has the potential to develop problems. People often begin to lose control when difficult personal issues arise, and gambling becomes a coping mechanism. Problem gambling is characterised by a strong pull or compulsion towards gambling which becomes more and more difficult to resist. People describe this as the urge to gamble and say that despite all the logical arguments they have against gambling, this urge will not go away until it is satisfied by gambling. People often become frustrated with themselves and carry feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment. Excessive gambling can lead to significant problems which may harm relationships, finances, work, physical health and mental health. This experience is called problem or compulsive gambling. 2. Warning Signs of Problem gambling: The following are some of the signs that gambling has become a problem: a) Gambling more money than is affordable. b) Being preoccupied with gambling. c) Making repeated, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling and being irritable or restless during these attempts. d) Gambling to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings. e) Chasing losses (gambling more money to try to win back losses). f) Lying to others to conceal the extent of gambling. g) Obtaining money illegally to gamble. h) Risking relationships or work or educational opportunities due to gambling. i) Borrowing from friends, family or financial institutions to finance gambling or gambling related debts. j) Gambling alone.

k) Gambling a significant proportion of income on pay-day. l) Feeling stressed during and/or after a gambling session. m) Gambling being the only source of fun.

LIMPOPO GAMBLING BOARD

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