Dedicated gambling helplines are rare in Africa. South Africa is the exception. Elsewhere, the working route is a general mental health or crisis service — most will help with gambling-related distress, and most take calls from family members too.
All numbers below are free or low cost unless noted. Verify before relying on one in an emergency; services change.
Southern Africa
South Africa — South African Responsible Gambling Foundation 0800 006 008 — free, 24 hours, multiple languages The continent’s only large-scale dedicated gambling counselling service. Funded by the industry, operated independently. Offers free treatment referrals, and takes calls from family members.
South Africa — SADAG (mental health) 0800 567 567 — free, daily Broad mental health support including debt-related distress.
Zimbabwe — Friendship Bench +263 776 111 111 Community health workers offering evidence-based talk therapy at local clinics. Free, and unusually accessible.
Zambia — Ministry of Health mental health services +260 211 253 040
East Africa
Kenya — Befrienders Kenya +254 722 178 177 Emotional support and crisis listening.
Kenya — Red Cross psychosocial support 1199 — toll free
Uganda — Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital helpline 0800 21 21 21 — toll free
Tanzania — Ministry of Health mental health services +255 22 212 0261
West Africa
Nigeria — Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) +234 809 111 6264 Youth-focused mental health support, active and responsive.
Nigeria — Suicide Prevention Initiative +234 806 210 6493
Ghana — Mental Health Authority helpline +233 55 132 3843
Senegal — Centre hospitalier psychiatrique de Thiaroye +221 33 834 03 41
North Africa
Egypt — General Secretariat of Mental Health 08008880700 — toll free
Morocco — SOS Détresse Maroc +212 5 22 87 47 40 Confidential listening line.
If there is no service where you are
Several things still work:
Self-exclude from the operator. Every licensed casino must offer it, and it works regardless of where you live. See our self-exclusion guide.
Block the money. Ask your bank or mobile money provider whether they can block gambling merchants. Support varies, but it is worth the call.
Use blocking software. Gamban and BetBlocker install on phones and computers and block gambling sites. BetBlocker is free and works offline once installed — useful where paid tools are out of reach.
Gamblers Anonymous. Meetings exist in several African cities and online meetings are open to anyone with a connection. No fees, no registration.
Talk to a doctor. A GP or clinic can refer you into whatever mental health services do exist locally, and problem gambling is recognised clinically.
For families
You do not have to wait for the person to ask. Practical steps that help:
- Separate finances where you can, so gambling cannot reach shared money
- Do not pay off gambling debts as a one-off — it reliably makes the next one larger
- Ask about the behaviour, not the amount
- Call a helpline yourself; most take calls from family and will advise you directly
In immediate crisis
If you or someone else is at risk of harm right now, contact your local emergency number or the nearest hospital. Gambling debts are survivable and recoverable. Please get help before deciding otherwise.