Play Responsibly, Play Safely

Responsible gaming is about staying in control of your habits and your spending. The following strategies can help you maintain a healthy relationship with online gambling.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable losing, and do not exceed it under any circumstances.
• Use deposit limits. Most licensed platforms allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your account settings.
• Track the time you spend gambling. Set a timer or use session limit tools available on reputable platforms to avoid extended play sessions.
• Never chase losses. Attempting to recover lost money by placing more bets is one of the most common paths to problematic gambling.
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not income. Winnings are never guaranteed. Approach gambling as a leisure activity with an associated cost.
• Avoid gambling under stress or emotional distress. Decisions made in a compromised emotional state tend to be impulsive and difficult to reverse.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at regular intervals to maintain perspective and avoid compulsive patterns.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. Gambling with borrowed funds increases financial risk and can lead to serious debt.
• Keep gambling separate from other activities. Avoid letting gambling interfere with work, family responsibilities, or social commitments.
• Make use of self-assessment tools. Many platforms offer questionnaires to help you evaluate your gambling behaviour objectively.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and is not always easy to identify. Being aware of the warning signs can help you or someone you care about seek support at the right time.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended, and doing so repeatedly.
• Finding it difficult to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling.
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about how much time or money is spent on gambling.
• Neglecting personal responsibilities, work obligations, or relationships because of gambling.
• Continuing to gamble even after significant financial losses.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activity.
• Using gambling as a way to escape personal problems, anxiety, or low mood.
• Experiencing a preoccupation with gambling, such as constantly thinking about the next session or planning how to get more funds.
• Feeling a need to increase the size of bets over time to achieve the same level of excitement.

Registration and participation on online casino platforms are strictly limited to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this is generally 18 years of age, though applicable laws may vary by state or territory. Age verification is a standard part of the registration and withdrawal process on all licensed platforms. If you suspect that a minor in your household has access to gambling platforms, you are encouraged to use parental control software and to keep your account credentials private and secure at all times.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary tool available on licensed online casino platforms that allows you to restrict access to your own account for a defined period. You can choose to block your account temporarily, such as for a period of days, weeks, or months, or you may opt for a permanent closure if you feel that is the appropriate course of action. During a self-exclusion period, you will not be able to log in, place bets, or make deposits. Responsible platforms also restrict promotional communications to self-excluded users. To activate self-exclusion, navigate to the responsible gaming or account settings section of the platform you use. If you are having difficulty locating this option, the platform’s customer support team can assist you. Self-exclusion is a confidential and supported process, and there is no penalty or stigma attached to using it.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulties related to gambling, professional support is available. The following organisations offer confidential assistance, counselling, and guidance to individuals affected by gambling addiction in India.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A mental health counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. Available via telephone and email for individuals seeking psychological support. Contact: +91-9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24-hour mental health support service available across India. Offers free and confidential counselling for individuals facing addiction and emotional distress. Contact: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier public health institution in Bengaluru that provides treatment and rehabilitation services for behavioural addictions, including gambling. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, Parivarthan provides professional counselling services for addiction-related concerns. Contact: +91-7676602602.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (AA India): Although primarily focused on alcohol dependency, AA India also provides group support for compulsive and addictive behaviours through its network of meetings across major Indian cities. Website: aaindia.org.
• Snehi Foundation: A Delhi-based organisation providing emotional support and counselling services for individuals in psychological distress, including those affected by addictive behaviours. Contact: +91-9582208181.