Last updated: May 2026 — Dylan van der Merwe, Reliefbeds
At Reliefbeds, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment — never a source of stress, financial hardship, or emotional pain. Dylan van der Merwe and the entire Reliefbeds team are genuinely committed to promoting safe, informed, and responsible gambling for every player in South Africa. This page exists because we care about the people behind the screens, not just the games they play.
Reliefbeds only reviews and recommends licensed online casinos that uphold strict responsible gaming standards. We hold ourselves to the same standard. Every casino listed on reliefbeds.co.za must offer meaningful player protection tools before earning a place on our platform. Player welfare is not a checkbox for us — it is a core part of how we operate.
Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to negatively affect your finances, relationships, mental health, or daily responsibilities. Problem gambling can develop gradually and is not a sign of weakness or moral failure. It is a recognised condition that responds well to support and treatment.
Ask yourself these honest questions. If you answer yes to two or more, we encourage you to seek support.
This checklist is not a clinical diagnosis. If any of these questions resonate with you, please reach out to a professional support organisation listed further down this page.
Every reputable online casino recommended by Reliefbeds must provide the following player protection features. You have the right to use these tools at any time, and a trustworthy casino will never try to discourage you from doing so.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. This is one of the most effective ways to stay in control of your spending from the very start.
Reality check notifications remind you how long you have been playing in a single session. These pop-up alerts are a simple but powerful tool that helps you pause, reflect, and decide whether to continue or stop.
A cooling-off period allows you to temporarily restrict your account — typically for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. This gives you space to step away without making a permanent decision.
If you feel you need a more serious break, self-exclusion allows you to block access to your casino account for an extended period, often ranging from six months to several years or permanently. Once activated, reputable casinos will honour this request and should not send you promotional material during the exclusion period.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling right now, please reach out for immediate help. Support is available and confidential.
These globally recognised organisations offer free resources, confidential counselling, and professional guidance for anyone affected by problem gambling.
Reliefbeds operates a strict 18+ policy without exception. Gambling is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in South Africa and is harmful to minors. Every casino featured on reliefbeds.co.za is required to carry out thorough age verification checks before allowing any player to deposit or gamble. If you are a parent or guardian, we recommend using parental control software to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
If you ever feel that gambling has stopped being fun, please take a break. There is no shame in asking for help. Reaching out is the bravest thing you can do, and support is available right now. Reliefbeds stands with you.