OUT-patient treatment for gambling addiction will be available in 21 southern African cities and towns by next month, according to the National Responsible Gambling Programme. The industry-backed programme said in a quarterly report that its helpline had received nearly 5_000 calls in its first nine months of existence. The NRGP said its treatment and counselling service was built around a toll-free helpline (0800-006008) and a network of out-patient medical professionals in major centres. 48% of helpline callers ascribed their problem to slot machines, and 20% to table games. Of the balance, horse racing and the lottery featured most prominently.