Responsible Gaming

Safe gambling starts with clear boundaries and honest self-assessment. These practical strategies help you maintain control over your gaming activities:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount.
• Use deposit limits. Most casinos let you set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps to prevent overspending.
• Track your time. Set alarms or use session timers to remind yourself when to take breaks or stop playing.
• Never chase losses. Accept that losses are part of gambling and avoid trying to win back money you have lost.
• Keep gambling separate from other finances. Use dedicated funds for gaming, not money meant for bills or essential expenses.
• Avoid gambling when upset or stressed. Emotional decisions often lead to poor judgement and excessive spending.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen to maintain perspective and avoid impulsive decisions.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. Only use your own disposable income for gaming activities.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Make sure gaming does not replace hobbies, social connections, or responsibilities.
• Review your habits regularly. Check your spending and time commitment monthly to ensure gambling remains recreational.

Recognising problem gambling early helps you or someone you care about get support sooner. Watch for these warning signs:

• Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose. Using funds meant for rent, food, school fees, or other essential needs.
• Lying about gambling activities. Hiding how much time or money you spend on gaming from family or friends.
• Chasing losses persistently. Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money you have lost.
• Neglecting responsibilities. Missing work, school, or family obligations because of gambling.
• Borrowing money frequently. Taking loans or asking others for money to fund your gambling or cover losses.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling. Experiencing restlessness or mood changes when you try to stop.
• Gambling to escape problems. Using gaming as a way to avoid dealing with stress, depression, or personal issues.
• Losing interest in other activities. Abandoning hobbies, social events, or relationships you once enjoyed.
• Unable to stop despite wanting to. Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit gambling.
• Experiencing financial distress. Facing mounting debts, unpaid bills, or requests from creditors because of gambling losses.

Online casino registration and slot play are restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority in Malawi. Operators verify player ages during registration to prevent underage gambling. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and use parental controls to protect young people from accessing gambling sites. Allowing minors to gamble is illegal and can cause serious harm to their development and financial understanding.

Online casinos offer voluntary account blocking options to help players who struggle with controlling their gambling. Self-exclusion allows you to close your account for a set period, ranging from weeks to years, or even permanently. During this time, the casino prevents you from logging in, depositing funds, or receiving promotional materials. Many operators also participate in shared exclusion databases that block access across multiple platforms. If you feel gambling is affecting your life negatively, self-exclusion provides a practical tool to create distance and regain control. You can request self-exclusion by contacting customer support or using account settings on most casino websites.

Support is available if gambling has become a problem. These organisations provide counselling, guidance, and resources for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction:

• Mental Health Users and Carers Association (MeHUCA). Offers mental health support services throughout Malawi, including counselling for addiction issues.
• Malawi Against Physical and Mental Handicaps (MAPMAH). Provides rehabilitation and support services for individuals facing mental health challenges, including gambling problems.
• Community Health Sciences Unit (CHSU). Works on preventive health education and can connect you with local support networks.
• Lighthouse Trust Malawi. Delivers counselling services and support groups across major cities in Malawi.
• Your local health centre. District hospitals and community health facilities can refer you to appropriate mental health and addiction services.
• Gamblers Anonymous International. Whilst no dedicated Malawi chapter exists, online meetings and resources are available at www.gamblersanonymous.org for those seeking peer support.
• National Gambling Helplines. Contact the Malawi Gaming Board for information about registered support services and treatment options.