Responsible Gaming

Online gambling can be an enjoyable pastime when approached with care and clear boundaries. The following strategies can help you maintain control over your gambling activity.

• Set a fixed budget. 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 cap how much you deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Set time limits. Decide how long each gambling session will last before you begin.
• Never chase losses. Accepting a loss and stopping for the day is the responsible course of action.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. View any money spent as the cost of entertainment, not as an investment or income source.
• Avoid gambling under stress. Emotional states such as stress, anxiety, or grief can impair judgement.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at intervals during a session to maintain a clear perspective.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Ensure gambling does not replace hobbies, social time, or responsibilities.
• Keep your login credentials private. Do not share account access with others, including family members or friends.
• Review your activity regularly. Periodically check your transaction history and time spent to stay informed about your habits.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. The signs below may indicate that gambling has become a problem.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Hiding gambling activity from family members or close friends
• Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble
• Continuing to gamble despite repeated financial losses
• Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or low mood
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Spending a significant amount of time thinking about gambling
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement

Online casino registration and participation in any form of real-money play are strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this is generally considered to be 18 years of age, though this may vary depending on the state or applicable jurisdiction. Reputable platforms verify the age of every new player during the registration and account verification process. If you are a parent or guardian, please take steps to prevent minors in your household from accessing gambling platforms.

Licensed online casinos provide voluntary self-exclusion options to support players who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage. Self-exclusion allows you to temporarily or permanently restrict your own access to a gambling account, giving you time and space to address the issue. You can typically request a self-exclusion period directly through the platform’s responsible gaming settings or by contacting the support team. During the exclusion period, you will be unable to log in, place bets, or make deposits. Some platforms also participate in cross-operator exclusion schemes, which can restrict your access across multiple sites simultaneously. Self-exclusion is a confidential and respected process, and taking this step is a sign of strength, not failure.

Professional help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related problems. The organisations listed below offer confidential support, counselling, and guidance.

• iCall (TISS): A psychosocial helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Available for counselling and mental health support. Helpline: +91-9152987821. Website: icallhelpline.org
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline offering free counselling in multiple Indian languages. Helpline: 1860-2662-345 or +91-1800-2333-330. Website: vandrevalafoundation.com
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier institution in Bengaluru providing treatment for behavioural addictions including gambling. Website: nimhans.ac.in
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (AA India): Supports individuals with addictive behaviours through group therapy and peer support networks. Website: aaindia.org
• Snehi Foundation: Provides emotional support and mental health counselling across India. Helpline: +91-44-24640050. Website: snehi.org
• Fortis Stress Helpline: Offers immediate mental health assistance and referrals. Helpline: +91-8376804102