Play Responsibly, Play Safely

Responsible gaming is about staying in control at all times. The following strategies can help you maintain healthy habits and protect your wellbeing.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much money you are comfortable spending and do not exceed that limit.
• Use deposit limits. Most licensed platforms allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your account settings.
• Set time limits. Allocate a fixed amount of time for gaming sessions and use platform tools or device reminders to keep track.
• Never chase losses. Accepting a loss and stopping for the day is always a sound decision.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. View any money spent as the cost of leisure, not as a potential source of income.
• Avoid gambling when emotionally distressed. Decisions made under stress, anxiety, or sadness are rarely sound ones.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen periodically during any gaming session.
• Keep gambling separate from finances. Never use money set aside for rent, food, bills, or savings.
• Do not mix alcohol or substances with gambling. Impaired judgment can lead to poor financial decisions.
• Check in with yourself regularly. Periodically reflect on your habits to identify any changes in behaviour early.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Being aware of the warning signs is an important step towards seeking timely support.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended
• Persistent thoughts about gambling throughout the day
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
• Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or personal problems
• Lying to family members or friends about gambling activity or losses
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Failing repeatedly to cut back or stop despite wanting to do so
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Continuing to gamble after significant financial losses in the hope of recovering them
• Feeling a loss of control over the amount of time or money spent on gambling

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, seeking professional guidance is a constructive next step.

All online casino platforms and real money gaming sites are intended exclusively for individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this is typically 18 years of age, though certain states may have different requirements. Registering an account, depositing funds, and participating in any form of online gambling is prohibited for minors. If you are a parent or guardian, it is advisable to use parental control tools and ensure that your login credentials are kept private and secure at all times.

Licensed online casinos provide self-exclusion options as a practical measure for players who feel they need a break or wish to limit their access to gambling platforms. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily block your account for a chosen period, which may range from a few days to several years, or in some cases permanently. During an active self-exclusion period, you will not be able to log in, deposit funds, or participate in any gaming activity on the platform. Many operators are also affiliated with national self-exclusion registries, which extend this restriction across multiple sites simultaneously. Requesting self-exclusion is a responsible and commendable decision, and reputable platforms will process such requests without delay or pressure to reconsider.

Professional help is available across India for individuals affected by gambling addiction. The following organisations offer confidential support, counselling, and treatment services.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A mental health helpline operated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. Offers telephone and online counselling for a range of psychological concerns, including addictive behaviours. Helpline: 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health support line available across India. Provides free, confidential counselling and crisis intervention. Helpline: 1860-2662-345.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier government institution in Bengaluru offering specialised addiction treatment and psychiatric care. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous support groups): Gamblers Anonymous follows a peer support model similar to AA and offers group meetings for individuals affected by compulsive gambling. Meetings are available in several Indian cities.
• The Mindfulnes Clinic and other private addiction centres: Several cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai have private psychiatric clinics and rehabilitation centres with dedicated addiction counsellors.
• Fortis Healthcare Mental Health Helpline: Available nationally, offering referrals to addiction specialists and mental health professionals. Helpline: 8376804102.

Reaching out to any of these organisations is a positive and courageous step. Confidentiality is respected across all reputable services.