Play Responsibly, Play Safely

Responsible gaming starts with awareness and a few practical habits. The following strategies can help you stay in control and keep your gaming experience positive.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable spending and do not exceed it.
• Use deposit limits. Most licensed platforms allow you to cap your daily, weekly, or monthly deposits.
• Set time limits. Decide in advance how long you will play in a single session.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at intervals to maintain a clear perspective.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of gaming and avoid increasing bets to recover them.
• Play with disposable income only. Never use money reserved for rent, bills, or essential expenses.
• Keep gaming separate from emotions. Avoid playing when you are stressed, anxious, or upset.
• Use the available self-assessment tools. Many platforms provide questionnaires to help you evaluate your gaming habits.
• Inform a trusted person. Letting a friend or family member know about your gaming activity adds an extra layer of accountability.
• Treat gaming as entertainment. It is a leisure activity, not a source of income or a financial strategy.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and may not always be obvious at first. The signs below are commonly associated with problematic gambling behaviour.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back on gambling activity
• Thinking about gambling frequently throughout the day
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal problems
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling activity
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Continuing to gamble despite significant financial losses
• Feeling guilt or shame after a gambling session, yet returning to play again

Online casino registration and participation in any real-money gaming activity are permitted only for individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. Age verification is a mandatory step during the account registration process on all licensed platforms. If you are a parent or guardian, it is advisable to use parental control tools to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. Protecting younger individuals from exposure to gambling is a shared responsibility.

Licensed online casinos provide voluntary self-exclusion programmes to support players who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage. Through self-exclusion, you can request a temporary or permanent block on your account, preventing access to games and deposits for a chosen period. This option can be activated directly through the platform’s responsible gaming settings, often within minutes. Some platforms also allow you to extend the exclusion period or make it permanent if required. Self-exclusion is a confidential process, and no penalty is applied to your account for requesting it. It is a structured and effective tool for anyone who needs to create distance from gambling activity.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties related to gambling, professional support is available. The following organisations offer confidential assistance to individuals seeking help for gambling addiction in India.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A mental health helpline operated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) that provides counselling for a range of psychological concerns, including addictive behaviours. Reachable at 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24-hour mental health support service available across India, offering free and confidential counselling. Reachable at 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier institution in Bengaluru that provides clinical support for addiction-related disorders, including gambling addiction.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous support groups): Several AA centres in India also facilitate Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Visit aa-india.org for centre locations.
• The Live Love Laugh Foundation: A mental health awareness organisation that provides resources and referrals to professional support services across India. Visit thelivelovelaughfoundation.org for more information.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this centre offers counselling services for individuals and families affected by addictive behaviour. Reachable at +91-76766-02602.