1. Budget in kwacha, from money you can spare
Set a monthly amount after rent, school fees, food and transport are covered, and treat it as the cost of entertainment, like a match ticket. Never use money borrowed, or money set aside for bills or a chilimba contribution.
2. Put the limits in your account
- Deposit limit: daily, weekly or monthly. Lowering it is instant; raising it usually waits a day or more.
- Loss or wager limits where the casino offers them.
- Session time limit and reality check: a pop-up every 30 or 60 minutes showing how long you have played and what you have won or lost.
3. Know your games
Know the house edge of what you play and how fast it runs. A turbo slot can spend a budget ten times faster than a live roulette table. Our guide on choosing a game compares them.
4. Watch the time
Play at set times, not whenever you are bored or awake at night. Stop at your time limit even when winning; a win is a good moment to cash out, not a reason to raise stakes.
5. Keep an honest log
Write down each deposit and withdrawal with the date. Once a month add them up. If the number surprises you, or you have hidden it from someone, that is a signal to cut back.