Responsible Gaming

Online gaming can be an enjoyable activity when approached with awareness and clear boundaries. The following strategies support a safe and controlled experience:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend 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 session and use platform tools or device reminders to stay within it.
• Avoid chasing losses. A loss is a loss. Continuing to play in an attempt to recover funds often leads to greater financial harm.
• Play for entertainment. Treat gambling as a form of recreation, not as a source of income or a financial strategy.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at intervals during any gaming session.
• Do not gamble under the influence. Alcohol or other substances impair judgement and lead to poor decisions.
• Keep gambling separate from financial obligations. Never use money reserved for rent, bills, or essential expenses.
• Use self-assessment tools. Many platforms offer questionnaires to help you evaluate your relationship with gambling.
• Speak to someone you trust. If you feel your habits are changing, talking to a friend, family member, or counsellor is a positive and constructive step.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and is not always easy to identify in its early stages. The following signs may indicate a problem that requires attention:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a regular basis.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling behaviour.
• Preoccupation with gambling, such as constantly planning the next session or thinking about past losses.
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or personal problems.
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling activity.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings, or neglecting financial responsibilities to fund gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, personal, or professional consequences.
• Withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling.
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same level of excitement.

Registration on any licensed online casino platform is strictly limited to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this is generally 18 years of age or older, though certain states may apply different thresholds. Age verification is a mandatory part of the registration and account approval process. If you are aware of a minor attempting to access gambling services, you are encouraged to report it to the relevant platform immediately.

Licensed online casinos provide voluntary self-exclusion tools specifically designed for players who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage. By requesting a self-exclusion, you can temporarily or permanently block access to your account, preventing deposits, bets, and gameplay for a chosen period. This option can be activated directly through account settings or by contacting the platform’s customer support team. Self-exclusion is a responsible and constructive step, and the platform is required to honour your request without delay. Some operators also participate in multi-site exclusion programmes, which extend the restriction across multiple affiliated platforms simultaneously.

Professional help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related harm. The following organisations in India provide confidential support, counselling, and treatment services:

• iCall (TISS): A psychological counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Available via phone and email for individuals experiencing mental health and behavioural concerns, including gambling addiction. Helpline: 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation: A 24-hour mental health helpline offering free counselling and crisis support across India. Helpline: 1860-2662-345.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier institution in Bengaluru providing specialised psychiatric and de-addiction services. Contact: +91-80-46110007.
• Sanjivini Society for Mental Health: Based in New Delhi, this organisation offers counselling services for individuals and families affected by behavioural addictions. Contact: +91-11-24311918.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Located in Bengaluru, this centre provides professional counselling and a dedicated helpline for emotional and psychological support. Helpline: +91-7676602602.
• iQuit (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare): A government-supported cessation and de-addiction resource accessible through the national health helpline. Helpline: 1800-11-2356.