Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming starts with simple, consistent habits. The following practices can help you stay in control of your time and spending.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much money you are comfortable spending and do not exceed that amount.
• Use deposit limits. Most licensed platforms allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your account settings.
• Track your time. Set a time limit for each gaming session and step away once it is reached.
• Never chase losses. Accepting a loss and stopping is a sign of disciplined play.
• Avoid playing under emotional distress. Do not use gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or personal difficulties.
• Take regular breaks. Short pauses during a session help maintain perspective and prevent impulsive decisions.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Maintain a variety of hobbies and social connections outside of gaming.
• Play only with money you can afford to lose. Never use funds reserved for rent, food, or essential expenses.
• Understand the games you play. Familiarise yourself with how odds and house edges work before wagering real money.
• Use the responsible gaming tools available. Platforms offer reality checks, session time reminders, and cooling-off periods for a reason.

Gambling becomes harmful when it starts affecting your daily life, relationships, or finances. The following signs may indicate a developing problem.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a regular basis.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
• Preoccupation with gambling, including constantly thinking about past sessions or planning future ones.
• Turning to gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety.
• Lying to family members or close friends about gambling habits or losses.
• Borrowing money or selling personal belongings to fund gambling activity.
• Missing work, study, or family responsibilities due to time spent gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, legal, or relationship consequences.
• Feeling compelled to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement.

Online casino registration and participation in any form of real money gaming are strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this typically means players must be at least 18 years of age, though the applicable age may vary depending on the laws of your specific state or union territory. Licensed platforms are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing access to paid gaming features. If you are aware of a minor attempting to access online gambling services, you are encouraged to report it to the platform immediately.

If you feel that gambling has become difficult to manage, self-exclusion is a voluntary option available on most licensed online casinos. It allows you to temporarily or permanently block your account, preventing access to all gaming activity for a period you choose. Self-exclusion periods can range from a few days to several months or longer, depending on the platform’s available options. During this time, you will not be able to log in, deposit funds, or place bets. Some platforms also allow you to request exclusion from receiving any promotional communications. To initiate self-exclusion, visit your account settings or contact the platform’s customer support team directly. This step requires no justification and will be processed without delay.

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

• iCall (TISS): A psychological counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Accessible via phone and email, offering mental health support including addiction counselling. Helpline: 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline providing free support for individuals facing addiction, depression, and crisis situations. Helpline: 1860-2662-345.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier government institution in Bengaluru offering specialised addiction treatment and rehabilitation services.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous chapters): Provides peer support group meetings for individuals dealing with compulsive behaviours including gambling. Available in several major Indian cities.
• Snehi Centre: A non-profit organisation offering emotional support and counselling services through trained volunteers. Helpline: 044-24640050.
• iQuit (Government of India initiative): A behavioural change platform that connects individuals with certified counsellors for substance and behavioural addiction support.