Play Responsibly, Play Safely

Online gambling can be an enjoyable activity when approached with awareness and discipline. The following strategies help you stay in control of your gambling habits.

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much money you are comfortable spending, and do not exceed that limit under any circumstances.
• Set time limits. Decide how long each session will last and stop when your time is up, regardless of the outcome.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of the activity. Increasing your bets to recover lost money leads to greater financial risk.
• Gamble only with disposable income. Never use money reserved for rent, bills, groceries, or other essential expenses.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen periodically to maintain a clear perspective on your activity.
• Avoid gambling under stress or emotional distress. Emotional states can impair judgement and lead to impulsive decisions.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes hobbies, social interactions, and physical activity outside of gambling.
• Use platform tools. Most licensed platforms offer deposit limits, session reminders, and cooling-off periods. Make full use of these features.
• Keep a record of your activity. Track your deposits, withdrawals, and playing time regularly to maintain an honest view of your behaviour.
• Talk to someone you trust. If you feel your gambling habits are changing, speak openly with a friend or family member before the situation escalates.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and is not always easy to identify in its early stages. The signs below may indicate that gambling has moved beyond a recreational activity.

• Spending more time and money on gambling than originally intended.
• Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back on gambling activity.
• Preoccupation with gambling, including planning the next session or thinking about past wins and losses.
• Gambling to escape personal problems, stress, or negative emotions.
• Lying to friends or family members about the frequency or amount of gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activity.
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships due to gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite significant financial losses or personal consequences.
• Feeling a need to bet increasing amounts to experience the same level of excitement.

Online casino registration and participation in any form of real-money gambling are restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. Age verification is a mandatory step during the account registration process on all licensed platforms. If you are a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure that minors in your household do not have access to gambling websites or applications. Responsible platforms invest in robust age verification systems to prevent underage gambling.

Licensed online casinos provide voluntary self-exclusion options for players who feel they need a structured break from gambling. A self-exclusion allows you to block your own account for a defined period, which may range from a few days to a permanent closure. During the exclusion period, you will not be able to log in, deposit funds, or participate in any gambling activity on that platform. This tool is not a punishment; it is a practical safeguard available to any player who chooses to use it. Contacting the platform’s customer support team is typically all that is required to initiate a self-exclusion request. Some platforms also allow you to set spending or deposit limits as a less restrictive alternative. If you feel you need additional support beyond what the platform provides, professional help is available.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulties related to gambling, professional support is available in India. The organisations listed below offer confidential assistance.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. Available via phone and email for individuals seeking mental health and behavioural support. Helpline: +91-9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24-hour mental health helpline offering free counselling support across India. Helpline: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier mental health institution based in Bengaluru that addresses behavioural addictions, including gambling. Contact via their official website for appointments and referrals.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this organisation provides counselling services for addiction and related issues. Helpline: +91-7676602602.
• Gamblers Anonymous India: A peer support fellowship for individuals who identify as having a gambling problem. Meetings and contact details are available through their local chapters in major Indian cities.