Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. BongoBongo encourages every player in Zambia to make informed choices, keep play within a planned budget and take regular breaks. Only use money you can afford to lose, and never use funds needed for food, rent, bills, education or other essential commitments.
You must be 18+ to use gambling services. Please do not gamble if you are under 18+, if you are feeling distressed, or if alcohol or another substance is affecting your judgement. Before starting, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending, then stop when that boundary is reached.
Responsible gambling also means being honest with yourself about your habits. A win does not guarantee another win, and a loss should not be chased. Every bet has an uncertain outcome, so set expectations accordingly and keep gambling separate from important financial decisions and daily responsibilities.
Limits and self-control
Setting limits before you play is one of the simplest ways to stay in control. Choose a spending amount for a session, day or week, and consider it entertainment spending rather than money that may come back to you. Use a separate budget where possible, and avoid increasing it simply because you have lost or because you are trying to reach a particular win.
Time limits matter as much as money limits. Decide when your session will end and take breaks away from the screen. Do not borrow money, sell possessions, use credit intended for essentials or ask someone else to fund your play. If you find it difficult to follow your own limits, stop gambling and seek support rather than trying to recover losses.
- Set a maximum spend before opening a game or placing a bet.
- Record deposits and withdrawals so your overall activity is clear.
- Keep gambling separate from work, study, family time and sleep.
- Never chase losses or treat gambling as a guaranteed income source.
Signs of problem play
Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it may affect anyone. Warning signs include thinking about gambling for much of the day, repeatedly trying and failing to cut back, hiding activity from family or friends, or feeling restless and irritable when you are not playing. Spending more time or money than planned is another reason to pause and review your habits.
Further signs may include borrowing to gamble, missing work or other responsibilities, selling belongings, using money set aside for necessities, or returning immediately after a loss to try to win it back. Gambling may also become a way to escape stress, loneliness, anxiety or low mood. One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs should be treated seriously.
If gambling is causing arguments, financial pressure, sleep problems or emotional distress, stop and speak to someone you trust. Do not try to manage the situation by increasing deposits or keeping the problem secret. Support is available, and asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.
Where to get help
If you are worried about your gambling, talk with a trusted family member, friend, doctor, counsellor or mental-health professional in Zambia. Explain what has been happening, including any financial or emotional effects. A healthcare professional can help you identify suitable support and discuss related concerns such as anxiety, depression or harmful substance use.
Gamblers Anonymous provides peer support for people affected by gambling and offers information about meetings and recovery resources through its international service. You can also look for a local counselling or community health service that understands gambling-related harm. If online support is easier, use an established organisation’s official website and check that its details are current before sharing personal information.
If gambling has left you in immediate danger, or you are thinking about harming yourself, seek urgent help from local emergency or medical services and tell someone near you. For questions about BongoBongo account controls or available play-management options, email [email protected]. This mailbox cannot provide medical or crisis counselling, so use a qualified service for urgent personal support.
Platform tools
Depending on the account and product, player-management options may include deposit limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks or self-exclusion. Review the responsible-gambling or account settings available to you before playing. A limit works best when it is chosen in advance and set at a level that supports your normal budget, rather than adjusted during an emotional session.
A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling, while self-exclusion is a stronger step if you need to stop for a longer period. Do not open another account to bypass a restriction. If you have requested a break or self-exclusion, respect the decision and remove gambling apps, saved payment details and promotional notifications where practical.
Contact [email protected] if you need help understanding an available control or want to report a concern about your account. Support staff may explain platform procedures, but they cannot reverse losses or promise that gambling will become profitable. If the available tools do not feel sufficient, stop playing and seek independent help from a qualified professional or a recognised gambling-support organisation.