Play responsibly and remember the rules

Responsible gambling is an approach to gambling in which the player enjoys the process and is in control of his behavior. Excessive gambling can lead to serious problems — personal, financial and psychological. When gambling ceases to be mere entertainment and takes center stage in life, it negatively affects various areas. Financial difficulties (accumulating debts, loss of savings), emotional stress and mental health issues (depression, anxiety) and strained relationships with loved ones are just some of the consequences of gambling addiction. Gambling (including the popular Aviator game and other online casino games) should be viewed as entertainment first and foremost. One of the key rules of responsible gambling: never view gambling as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems. Remember that casinos and games like Aviator are designed for fun, and winning is a nice bonus.

You can only play aviator for money if you are 18 years old

Gambling in South Africa is only available to adults. Usually the minimum age is 18, but for some types of games or in some provinces the threshold can be 21. Casinos strictly verify age at registration and before paying out winnings, so you may be asked to show a document.
Why it matters. Young people (up to about 21-25 years old) are still forming the frontal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for self-control and risk assessment. It is more difficult for them to say “stop” in time, and the joy of winning sometimes overshadows the possible consequences. Therefore:

• If you are under 21-25 years old — play especially carefully and listen to the advice of your elders.
• If you are under 18 — gambling for money is forbidden and dangerous for your psyche.

By respecting the age limits, you protect yourself and help the industry to remain fair and safe.

Risk of losing money in online casinos

Despite the integrity of Aviator and licensed South African online casinos, their creators remind: playing Aviator or other online casino gambling games there is always a risk of losing money. It is important to realize that the casino is designed to make money for its owners, and in the long run has an advantage. Try to accept in advance the fact that every bet may end up losing — and treat it calmly, without painful emotions.
Think of your game as concert tickets or movie tickets: you are paying for emotions, not for a hundred percent financial result. Decide in advance how much money you are not sorry to give “for a ticket”, and treat it as if you spent it on a good evening with friends — with pleasure, but without regrets. If after a few rounds of luck turned away, do not take it as a personal defeat or a signal to “by all means to win back”. It is much wiser to pause, take a walk, drink a cup of coffee — and remind yourself that excitement should remain light and pleasant.

Help and support

If you notice that gambling begins to control your life — for example, you borrow money to bet, you hide your hobby from your family, you feel intense frustration or irritation outside of gambling — these are warning signs. Gambling doesn’t have to be harmful to you or your loved ones. In such a situation, it is important to recognize the problem and seek help (we will indicate where to get it below).
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially categorizes pathological gambling addiction as a behavioral disorder. South African experts estimate that about 2% to 4% of the population shows signs of problem gambling, and another 5% to 6% have an increased risk of developing it. If you notice symptoms of gambling addiction in yourself or a loved one — inability to stop, attempts to “win back”, gambling on borrowed time, irritation at interruptions — pause immediately and seek professional help. Contact South African Responsible Gambling Foundation: free helpline 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp 076 675 0710.

Below we suggest you take a quick self-test to help you assess how safe you are playing and if there are signs of addiction. Taking the test honestly is the first step to maintaining control and enjoying your gaming. If the test result shows that you have a problem, seek help.