Responsible Gambling

A big thank you to the NRGP, for their unremitting support since 2014. When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being. All this has afforded me a supportive recovery from an otherwise deadly compulsion.

Hi. I am a single mom of two kids . About 10 yrs ago i began gambling with friends and over the years my addiction progressed to an out of control stage. I gambled my rent money,my fuel for work and only saw to the basic needs of my kids. I started to make loans and my life became one big lie. At the end of July 2017, i couldn’t carry on any longer, it felt like my life came to a crossroads I was physically,mentally and emotionally drained. I saw Dr Heidi Sinclair and was booked into Ixande clinic for 30 days. With the help of counselors and following the 12 step programme, i admitted that i was powerless against my addiction and my recovery started with intensive therapy. I believe that i would not have been 7 months clean now,without the help that i received through the Gambling support programme. I still attend group sessions every alternate Saturdays which also help me with my day to day adjustments. I will always be grateful to the programme for all their support. Thank you

The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable . The programme has given me   insight and clear understanding of my gambling addiction. It has provided essential professional guidance , counselling and rehabilitation opportunity  for which I am most grateful. I encourage those in need of help to approach the SARGF . My thanks to the SARGF and all staff for this very vital  service they provide.

I had my gambling under control, or so I thought. It started off as entertainment, for months it was fun until I slowly started sinking in debt’s. It was no longer fun, it became an obsession. I would go to the casino with borrowed money, hoping that it would be my lucky day. Things became worse, then one morning I hit a R20 000 jackpot. I became an aggressive gambler, didn’t even care when I would lose my salary. Three months in a row I lost my salary, lived on money from loan sharks. I ended with a lot of enemies because I couldn’t pay them back. One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours. That’s when I decided enough is enough. I had no one to turn to, my family had found out about my gambling and they didn’t want anything to do with me. I had to decide to turn my life around to get back the trust and dignity from all those I’ve hurt. I got the numbers for the SA gambling programme at the exit of the casino. I called them, and the person I spoke to was such a good listener. He spoke to me in a way that I just saw hope again. I was booked for sessions with a very professional social worker. It wasn’t easy but I am grateful that I took that decision. I have not set my foot in any casino in 25months.  I’m very grateful to Dr Heidi and the gambling programme team.