Responsible Gaming

Maintaining control over your gaming habits is possible with the right approach. The following strategies can help you stay within healthy limits and keep gaming an enjoyable activity.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable spending 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 gaming. Use session timers or platform reminders to monitor how long you play in a single sitting.
• Never chase losses. Accepting a loss and stepping away is a sign of discipline, not weakness.
• Play for entertainment, not income. Treat gaming as a leisure activity, not a source of financial gain.
• Take regular breaks. Short, scheduled breaks during a session help maintain perspective and reduce impulsive decisions.
• Avoid gaming when emotionally distressed. Stress, anxiety, or low mood can impair judgement and increase risk.
• Keep gaming separate from other financial obligations. Funds reserved for rent, bills, or essentials must never be used for gaming.
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your gaming habits with a family member or close friend adds a layer of accountability.
• Self-assess regularly. Periodically review whether your gaming habits have changed and whether they are still within a healthy range.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and is often difficult to identify in its early stages. Being aware of the following signs can help you or someone close to you seek support at the right time.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a repeated basis.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling over a period of time.
• Preoccupation with gambling, including constant thoughts about past sessions or planning the next one.
• Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, depression, loneliness, or other negative emotions.
• Returning to gambling after a loss in an attempt to recover the lost amount.
• Concealing gambling activity from family members, friends, or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or taking financial risks to fund gambling.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, in studies, or within the family due to gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite being aware of the negative consequences it is causing.

Registration and participation on licensed online gaming platforms is strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this means players must be at least 18 years of age, or older in jurisdictions where a higher age threshold applies. Age verification is a mandatory step during the registration process, and platforms are required to confirm a player’s age before any deposit or gameplay is permitted. If you are a parent or guardian, please take appropriate measures to prevent minors in your household from accessing online gaming platforms.

Licensed online casinos offer voluntary self-exclusion as a formal tool for players who need to take a break or limit their access to gaming. Through your account settings or by contacting customer support, you can request a temporary suspension or a permanent closure of your account. During a self-exclusion period, you will be unable to log in, make deposits, or participate in any gaming activity on that platform. Some platforms also participate in wider self-exclusion schemes that extend restrictions across multiple operators simultaneously. If you feel that your gaming habits are becoming difficult to manage, self-exclusion is a straightforward and effective step you can take immediately. Platforms are obligated to honour these requests promptly and without placing unnecessary conditions on the process.

Professional help is available across India for individuals dealing with gambling-related difficulties. The organisations listed below offer confidential support, counselling, and treatment services.

• iCall (TISS): A psychological counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Available via phone and online chat. Helpline: 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation: A 24/7 mental health helpline that covers addiction-related concerns. Helpline: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330 (toll-free).
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier government institution in Bengaluru providing addiction treatment and psychiatric support. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous support groups): Community-based support groups operating across major Indian cities, offering peer-led assistance for compulsive behaviour patterns.
• iGaming Addiction Helpline via State Mental Health Authorities: Several state governments in India operate mental health helplines that cover behavioural addictions, including gambling. Contact your state’s health department for the relevant number.
• Snehi: A mental health support organisation providing telephone counselling in India. Helpline: 044-24640050.

Reaching out for support is a responsible and courageous step. These organisations are equipped to assist you without judgement.