Play Safe, Stay in Control

Responsible gaming starts with awareness and deliberate choices. The following strategies can help you maintain control over your gambling habits:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable spending, and do not exceed it.
• Use deposit limits. Most licensed platforms allow you to cap daily, weekly, or monthly deposits.
• Track the time you spend gambling. Set a timer or schedule fixed sessions to avoid unplanned extended play.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of the experience and resist the urge to recover them immediately.
• Avoid gambling under stress or emotional distress. Decisions made during difficult moments are rarely sound ones.
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities. Keeping a varied routine reduces the risk of over-reliance on gambling for entertainment.
• Learn the rules and odds of games before playing. Informed play reduces impulsive decisions.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at intervals during your session.
• Keep gambling separate from financial obligations. Never use money earmarked for rent, bills, or essential expenses.
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your gambling habits with a friend or family member can provide useful perspective.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually, and many people do not notice the early signs. The following indicators may suggest that gambling has become a problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a regular basis.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Repeatedly failing to cut back on gambling despite genuine efforts to do so.
• Preoccupation with gambling, including constant thoughts about the next session or how to obtain more funds.
• Gambling to escape personal problems, anxiety, or a low mood.
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of your gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or taking on debt to fund gambling activity.
• Neglecting professional responsibilities, academic commitments, or personal relationships due to gambling.
• Continuing to gamble after significant financial losses, in an attempt to recover them.
• Experiencing guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions, yet returning to play regardless.

Online casino registration and participation in any form of real-money gambling are strictly restricted to individuals who have attained the legal age of majority. In India, this is generally accepted as 18 years of age or above, though age requirements may vary depending on the applicable jurisdiction. Reputable platforms are required to verify the age and identity of every user during the registration process. If you have reason to believe that a minor in your household is accessing a gambling platform, you are encouraged to enable parental controls on your devices and contact the platform’s support team without delay.

Licensed online casinos provide self-exclusion tools as a voluntary measure for players who feel their gambling activity is becoming difficult to manage. A self-exclusion arrangement allows you to block access to your account for a defined period, which may range from a few days to several years, or on a permanent basis. During an active self-exclusion period, you will not be able to log in, place bets, or receive promotional communications from the platform. This option is available through your account settings or by submitting a request to the platform’s customer support team. Activating self-exclusion is a responsible and constructive step, and the process is straightforward on most regulated platforms.

Professional support is available if you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulty with gambling. The following organisations in India offer confidential guidance and assistance:

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Support): A telephone and online counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), available to individuals dealing with behavioural concerns including gambling. Contact: +91-9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24-hour mental health helpline offering free, confidential support across India. Contact: 1860-2662-345 or +91-1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences): A premier institution in Bengaluru offering specialised treatment for behavioural addictions, including gambling disorder. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous resources): Several AA chapters across India provide referrals to Gamblers Anonymous support groups. Contact your nearest AA chapter for information.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this organisation provides affordable counselling services for individuals and families affected by addictive behaviours. Contact: +91-7676602602.
• Sanjivini Society for Mental Health (New Delhi): Offers counselling and mental health support services to individuals experiencing behavioural and psychological difficulties. Contact: +91-11-4076-9999.