SARGF warns public over “Stop Gambling SA” impersonation
The Foundation said Stop Gambling SA had presented itself online as a provider of gambling-related support services while charging members of the public for assistance.
South Africa.- The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has warned the public that a gambling charity platform called “Stop Gambling SA” is not affiliated with the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) and has not been authorised to use its name, mandate or contact details.
In a media statement published on Saturday, May 16, the Foundation said Stop Gambling SA had presented itself online as a provider of gambling-related support services while charging members of the public for assistance. SARGF stated that the NRGP does not charge for counselling, self-exclusion support or account-freezing facilitation services.
According to the Foundation, the NRGP operates as part of South Africa’s responsible gambling framework and provides free counselling, treatment referrals and public education programmes for people affected by gambling addiction. The organisation added that it had engaged the relevant domain registrar to remove the content and shut down the website.
The organisation also said it may take further legal steps to identify those behind the platform and determine whether additional action is required.
The warning comes as South Africa’s gambling sector continues to face scrutiny over consumer protection, responsible gambling measures and the rise of online betting activity. Industry and public discussions around gambling-related harm have increased in recent years, particularly regarding advertising exposure and access to betting platforms.
The SARGF reiterated that self-exclusion-related services remain free through the NRGP and participating gambling operators. Under the programme, individuals can request assistance to suspend or freeze gambling accounts as part of harm-reduction measures. It added that all support services are handled in line with South Africa’s data protection requirements.
The NRGP was launched in 2000 as a joint initiative involving gambling regulators and licensed gambling operators in South Africa. The programme combines public education, treatment services and research focused on gambling-related harm. It is funded through industry contributions linked to gross gambling revenue.
SARGF said its counselling and treatment network operates nationally and provides support to individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
