YesPlay is committed to ensuring that all of its users have a safe, enjoyable, and responsible betting experience. We adhere to the guidelines set by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) to promote responsible gambling practices. Here’s how YesPlay helps users avoid potential problems stemming from excessive gambling.
1. What is Gambling Addiction and What Are the Signs?
According to SARGF, gambling addiction is when a person continues to gamble despite facing negative consequences. These include financial issues, loss of assets, strained relationships, and even job loss. In severe cases, gambling addiction can lead to stress, bankruptcy, and even suicidal thoughts.
If you’re unsure whether you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, here are some warning signs:
- Constantly thinking about gambling
- Using gambling to escape from problems
- Increasing bets to win back previous losses
- Chasing after losses
- Lying about gambling activities
- Gambling negatively affecting personal life, work, or relationships
- Unable to stop gambling, despite attempts
- Feeling irritated when trying to reduce gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling or pay gambling debts
2. National Responsible Gambling Programme
Recognizing the potential risks of gambling, South African gambling regulators have implemented programs to address these issues. The SARGF manages the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), which collaborates with gambling operators and government bodies.
The NRGP offers free counseling, treatment, and educational resources for individuals struggling with gambling. It also allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all gambling activities in South Africa.
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, YesPlay supports you in reaching out to the NRGP for help. You can call the toll-free helpline at 0800 006 008, message their WhatsApp number at 076 675 0710 with the word “Help”, or visit responsiblegambling.org.za for additional self-help resources and counseling guides.
3. What is Self-Exclusion and How to Request It?
If you feel you’re gambling too much or struggling to control your betting, YesPlay supports the NRGP’s self-exclusion plan. This allows users to exclude themselves from gambling activities for a period of time. YesPlay offers both temporary and permanent self-exclusion options:
- Temporary suspension: Your account will be suspended for 1 to 3 months.
- Permanent self-exclusion: Your account will be closed for 6 months.
If you request self-exclusion, please keep in mind the following:
- You won’t be able to deposit funds or place bets.
- You will not receive marketing notifications.
- For permanent exclusion, any remaining funds in your account will be returned to you, and your account will be closed.
To ensure the security of self-exclusion requests, YesPlay asks for verification through a photo of yourself holding your ID and a copy of your ID. If you want to exclude yourself nationally, you can fill out a form and send it to YesPlay or the provincial gambling board.
4. Upliftment / Removal of the Self-Exclusion Order
After the period of your temporary suspension or permanent self-exclusion ends, your account will not be automatically reactivated. To reactivate it, you must submit a written request, and the reactivation will only occur after the specified period has passed.
If you wish to lift your permanent self-exclusion, it will be considered according to the process outlined by SARGF, as described on their website.
5. Protection of Minors
YesPlay strictly prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from registering or participating on its platform. Gambling is illegal for minors, and YesPlay ensures age verification during account registration. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children’s device usage and keep their account details secure.
We recommend installing filtering software to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. You can explore the following resources:
- Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com)
- CYBERsitter (www.cybersitter.com)
6. Customer Activity History
You can view your full account activity, including betting history, deposits, withdrawals, and winnings, by logging into your YesPlay account. This transparency helps you keep track of your gambling activity and ensures accountability.
7. Tips for Responsible Gambling
At YesPlay, we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our users. However, it’s also important to practice responsible gambling. Here are some tips to help maintain a balanced approach:
- Only bet with money you can afford to lose.
- Be familiar with the rules of the games you’re betting on.
- Understand the risks before you start betting.
- Always read our Terms & Conditions.
- Don’t gamble if you’re feeling unwell or stressed.
- Avoid trying to win back losses.
- Treat gambling as a social activity, and always keep it fun.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your YesPlay experience remains a positive and entertaining one.