If gambling feels impossible to control, threatens essential money, or is causing severe distress, act on the immediate problem first. You do not need to settle every debt, account issue, or complaint today. The priority is to create distance from gambling, protect access to money, and contact suitable support.
Helpline 114 is a free, confidential crisis line available 24 hours a day in Suriname. The Polikliniek Verslavingszorg treats addictive behaviour and also supports family members.
If you may be in immediate danger
Call Helpline 114 now if you are in a crisis or feel unable to keep yourself safe. The line has operated in Suriname since June 2026 and is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. The official announcement is available from the Pan American Health Organization.
Move away from gambling applications, websites, cash, cards, and other immediate triggers while you make the call. If possible, stay with a trusted person rather than remaining alone. Say plainly what is happening, including whether gambling losses, debt, fear, or conflict have contributed to the crisis.
A crisis conversation does not require you to have a complete explanation. Start with a direct sentence such as: “I am in crisis and gambling is part of the problem.” If speaking feels difficult, ask a trusted person to remain nearby while you call.
Take the next ten minutes step by step
Urgency can make every problem feel equally important. Use a short sequence instead of trying to solve everything at once.
| Priority | Action now | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Call 114 if you are in crisis | Obtain immediate, confidential crisis support |
| 2 | Close gambling applications and browser windows | Interrupt the next gambling action |
| 3 | Move cards, cash, and payment access out of reach | Reduce the chance of another deposit |
| 4 | Contact one trusted person | Avoid handling the situation alone |
| 5 | Write down essential expenses due soon | Protect food, housing, transport, and medicine |
| 6 | Arrange follow-up support | Address the gambling behaviour beyond the immediate crisis |
Do not chase a loss in an attempt to repair the situation. Another wager cannot reliably restore essential money and may deepen the immediate harm. Delay all gambling decisions. Eat, drink water, rest where possible, and return to financial questions only when the immediate pressure has reduced.
Put distance between you and gambling
Remove quick access before motivation changes. Log out of gambling accounts, uninstall gambling applications, delete saved payment details, and turn off promotional notifications. If an account provides a timeout, deposit limit, or self-exclusion control, use the strongest option that matches your need.
Ask a trusted person to help you review access to cash and cards. This should be a transparent arrangement that you understand and agree to, not an informal transfer of ownership. Do not share passwords or security codes. A safer approach may be to place cards somewhere less accessible, lower payment limits through the relevant provider where available, and keep only the amount needed for planned essentials.
For broader prevention measures, use the responsible gambling guidance. These barriers are practical interruptions; they are not a substitute for crisis or addiction support.
Protect essential money
List the money needed for food, housing, utilities, transport, medicine, and dependants. Keep those obligations separate from gambling balances and disputed transactions. Avoid taking a new loan, using someone else’s money, or making a deposit to recover previous losses.
Review recent payment activity carefully. Record dates, amounts, currencies, and the names shown on statements. The Central Bank of Suriname states that SNEPS processes interbank payments in SRD, USD, and EUR. That fact alone does not show that a casino accepts a particular payment method or that a specific gambling transaction used SNEPS. Guidance on checking transaction claims is available under payment checks.
If you do not recognise a transaction, contact the relevant bank or payment provider through its established contact channel. Describe what you can verify without guessing. Keep account security information private, including passwords, one-time codes, and card security codes.
Arrange addiction-care support
The Polikliniek Verslavingszorg treats addictive behaviour and supports family members. Its official information and published contact details are available from the Polikliniek Verslavingszorg.
When making contact, explain the practical effects of gambling rather than waiting for the perfect description. Useful details may include how often gambling occurs, whether attempts to stop have failed, the effect on sleep or relationships, and whether essential money has been used. Family members may also seek support; they do not have to wait until the person gambling requests help.
Prepare a short written summary before contacting the clinic if talking feels overwhelming. Include the safest way to contact you and any immediate concerns. Do not send banking passwords, identity credentials, or gambling-account access details.
Separate harm support from a gambling complaint
Emotional support, addiction treatment, payment questions, and regulatory complaints serve different needs. A complaint may help document conduct, but it does not replace urgent support and does not guarantee recovery of money.
The TCIK/Gaming Board is designated as the gambling supervisor, and its government notice provides a public reporting point. The official notice is available from the Government of Suriname. If reporting a concern, preserve factual records such as dates, transaction references, account messages, and the address used to access the gambling service.
Avoid describing an unverified event as proven fraud. State what happened, what remains disputed, and what response was received. For a structured record of the issue, follow the complaints and scam-warning guidance. Deal with immediate gambling harm first if preparing a complaint increases distress or creates an urge to gamble again.
How family and friends can help
Stay calm and focus on the next safe action. Listen without demanding an instant explanation of every loss. If the person is in crisis, encourage a call to 114 and remain nearby if they want company. For continuing addictive behaviour, the Polikliniek Verslavingszorg also supports family members.
Do not lend money for another wager or help chase losses. Assistance can instead focus on meals, transport, appointments, and organising essential bills. Agree on clear boundaries around money. Do not secretly access accounts, impersonate the person, or use their security credentials.
Check in again after the immediate conversation. Gambling harm often involves shame and avoidance, so one calm follow-up can be more useful than repeated confrontation. Supporters should also recognise their own limits and seek help when the situation affects their wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Helpline 114 available at night?
Yes. Helpline 114 is a free, confidential crisis line available 24 hours a day in Suriname. It has operated since June 2026.
Can a family member contact the Polikliniek Verslavingszorg?
Yes. The Polikliniek Verslavingszorg treats addictive behaviour and also supports family members. Its official information includes published contact details.
Should I make a gambling complaint before seeking help?
Not when there is an immediate crisis. Contact 114 first if you are in crisis. A regulatory complaint is a separate process and does not replace crisis or addiction support.
Does an interbank payment prove that a casino accepted SNEPS?
No. SNEPS processes interbank payments in SRD, USD, and EUR, but that does not prove casino acceptance or establish how a particular gambling transaction was processed.
What should I keep if I later report a gambling concern?
Keep factual records such as dates, amounts, currencies, transaction references, account messages, and the address used to access the service. Do not include passwords, one-time codes, or card security codes.