The facts
- Betting involves the risk of losing money. Every bookmaker builds a margin into its odds, so most people lose over time.
- No betting outcome is guaranteed. Anyone selling "sure" tips or fixed matches is misleading you.
- Betting is not a reliable source of income. It cannot replace a job or pay your bills.
- Never gamble with essential money: rent, school fees, food, transport, medicine or money you owe.
- You must be 18 or older to bet.
Warning signs
Ask yourself honestly:
- Do you bet more than you planned, or more than you can afford?
- Do you chase losses by betting again to win money back?
- Have you borrowed money, sold things or used money meant for something else to bet?
- Do you hide your betting from family or friends?
- Do you feel anxious, irritable or low when you are not betting, or after you lose?
- Has betting caused arguments, missed work or problems at home?
If you answered yes to any of these, betting may be becoming a problem. You are not alone, and help is available.
Practical ways to stay in control
- Set a monthly budget you can afford to lose, and never top it up. See bankroll management.
- Use deposit limits in your bookmaker account.
- Set time limits and avoid long live-betting sessions.
- Do not bet when upset, stressed or drinking.
- Withdraw winnings instead of leaving them in your betting balance.
- Keep a record of every deposit and bet.
Bookmaker tools
Many bookmakers offer:
- Deposit limits: a daily, weekly or monthly cap.
- Time-outs: a short break, from a day to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion: closing your account for months or years. If you use several bookmakers, exclude yourself from all of them.
Look under "Responsible gaming" or your account settings, or ask the bookmaker's support.
Getting support
- Talk to someone you trust: a family member, friend, religious leader or community leader.
- Speak to a doctor or clinic if betting is affecting your sleep, mood or health.
- Gamblers Anonymous runs mutual-support meetings, including meetings online; see its official website.
- If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, seek emergency help immediately.
We are working to confirm Zimbabwe-based gambling support services. We will only list local helplines once we have verified their details.
Helping someone else
If someone close to you is struggling, talk calmly, avoid blame, and encourage them to use limits and seek support. Protect your own finances: do not lend money for betting.
Protecting children
Do not let anyone under 18 use your phone or account to bet. Keep your betting app password private and use your phone's parental controls.