Play Responsibly, Stay in Control

Responsible gaming starts with informed choices and consistent habits. The following strategies can help you maintain control over your gambling activity.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much money you can afford to spend, and do not exceed that amount under any circumstances.
• Set time limits. Allocate a fixed amount of time for gambling and stop when that time is up, regardless of your results.
• Never chase losses. Accepting a loss and stepping away is a sign of discipline, not defeat.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. View any money spent as the cost of leisure, not as an investment or a source of income.
• Avoid gambling under the influence. Alcohol, medication, or emotional distress can impair your judgement and lead to decisions you may later regret.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from your screen periodically to maintain a clear perspective on your activity.
• Keep gambling separate from your finances. Never use funds meant for rent, bills, food, or other essential needs.
• Use platform tools. Reputable platforms offer deposit limits, session reminders, and cooling-off periods. Make active use of them.
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your gambling habits with a friend or family member adds a layer of accountability.
• Seek information before you play. Familiarise yourself with the rules, odds, and house edge of any game before wagering real money.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and may be difficult to identify without clear benchmarks. The warning signs listed below can help you assess your own behaviour or that of someone close to you.

• Spending more money or time on gambling than originally intended.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling or when attempting to stop.
• Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or personal problems.
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of your gambling activity.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, academic, or family responsibilities due to gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, personal, or professional consequences.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, including planning the next session or ways to obtain funds.
• Placing increasingly larger bets to achieve the same level of excitement.

Online casino platforms are intended exclusively for individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this threshold is generally 18 years of age, though it may vary by state. All reputable platforms require age verification during the registration process to prevent underage access. If you are a parent or guardian, please use parental control tools to restrict access to gambling websites on shared or family devices.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary measure that allows you to restrict your own access to an online gambling platform for a defined period of time. Most reputable casinos provide this option directly within your account settings, and it can typically be activated without requiring contact with customer support. Once a self-exclusion period is active, you will be prevented from logging in, depositing funds, or placing bets. Some platforms also offer the option of permanent account closure for those who feel they need a long-term break. Self-exclusion is a responsible and constructive step, and choosing to use it reflects sound judgement about your own wellbeing. It is advisable to combine self-exclusion with professional support for the most effective outcome.

Professional help is available for anyone in India who is struggling with gambling addiction or suspects that their gambling habits have become harmful. The following organisations offer guidance, counselling, and support services.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A mental health helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Contact: 9152987821. Available Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM IST.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline offering free counselling and crisis support. Contact: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences): A premier mental health institution in Bengaluru providing assessment and treatment for behavioural addictions, including gambling disorder. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (AA India): Although primarily focused on alcohol, AA India chapters also address compulsive and addictive behaviour patterns. Contact details are available through local chapters listed on their website.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this organisation provides individual counselling and a helpline for those facing mental health or addiction challenges. Contact: 7676602602.
• Mann Talks: A digital mental health platform that connects individuals with licensed therapists across India, including those specialising in addiction. Website: manntalks.com.