Responsible Gaming

Maintaining control over your gambling habits starts with a few deliberate, consistent practices. The following strategies can help you play safely and protect your wellbeing:

• Set a fixed budget before each session and do not exceed it;
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a source of income;
• Use deposit and wagering limits offered by your chosen platform;
• Take regular breaks during play to maintain a clear state of mind;
• Avoid gambling when under emotional stress, fatigue, or the influence of substances;
• Keep track of the time and money spent during each session;
• Never chase losses by increasing bets in an attempt to recover funds;
• Avoid borrowing money for the purpose of gambling;
• Balance gambling activity with other social, recreational, and professional commitments;
• Periodically review your playing habits and assess whether your betting patterns remain healthy.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and is not always easy to identify in its early stages. Being aware of the following warning signs can help you or someone close to you seek support before the situation escalates:

• Spending more money or time gambling than originally intended;
• Persistent thoughts about gambling, even during unrelated daily activities;
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling;
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not able to gamble;
• Using gambling as a way to escape personal problems or negative emotions;
• Concealing gambling activity from family members or close friends;
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, personal, or professional consequences;
• Borrowing or selling possessions to fund gambling sessions;
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or in relationships due to gambling;
• Experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms when attempting to cut back on play.

All reputable online gambling platforms enforce strict age verification procedures to ensure that only adults can register and play. In India, the legal age of majority is 18 years, and access to real-money casino games, including slots and table games, is prohibited for anyone below this threshold. During registration, players are required to provide valid identification documents that confirm their age before any betting activity is permitted. This policy is in place to protect minors and uphold the ethical standards that responsible operators are committed to maintaining.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary account restriction option available to players who feel their gambling habits are becoming difficult to control. Through this tool, a player can request that their account be blocked for a defined period or permanently, preventing access to all gambling services on the platform. Once a self-exclusion request is submitted, the restriction is applied promptly and cannot be reversed before the chosen period ends. Many platforms also offer additional limit-setting options, such as deposit caps, session time limits, and reality-check notifications, all of which support a safer and more controlled betting environment. Players who are experiencing difficulty managing their gambling are strongly encouraged to make use of these tools without delay.

Professional help is available for individuals in India who are struggling with gambling-related problems. The organisations listed below offer confidential support, counselling, and addiction treatment services:

• iCall (iCall.tiss.edu): A psychosocial helpline operated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), providing professional counselling services for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health concerns;
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline (1860-2662-345): A 24/7 mental health helpline that connects callers with trained counsellors who can provide guidance on addiction and related issues;
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru): A premier government institute that offers structured addiction treatment programmes and psychiatric support;
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre (Bengaluru): A non-profit organisation providing affordable counselling services for individuals and families affected by addiction;
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (aa-india.org): An established peer support network that also addresses behavioural addictions, including gambling, through community-based recovery programmes.