Gambling should never fund essential spending

Set limits before opening an account

• Use only money that is not needed for food, housing, health, education, debt or transport.
• Set a fixed cash and time limit before play; do not raise it after a loss.
• Never borrow to gamble or use gambling to solve a financial emergency.
• Do not play while distressed, intoxicated or trying to change your mood.
• Read withdrawal and bonus terms before accepting a promotion.

Warning signs

Chasing losses, hiding activity, borrowing, missing obligations, repeatedly cancelling withdrawal requests, or feeling unable to stop are reasons to step away and seek support from someone you trust or a qualified health professional.

Block access and payments

Ask each operator for account closure or self-exclusion. Remove gambling apps, disable marketing messages and ask your payment provider whether gambling transaction controls are available. Keep written confirmation of every request.

Transaction or consumer dispute

First use the operator’s written complaint process and preserve transaction records. Zambia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission publishes a consumer complaint route and asks complainants to retain proof of transaction.