Play Responsibly, Play Safely

Responsible gaming begins 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 how much 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 sessions and stop when that time is reached.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. View any money spent as the cost of entertainment, not as an investment or a source of income.
• Never chase losses. Attempting to recover lost money by placing more bets typically leads to greater financial harm.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from gambling at intervals to maintain a clear perspective on your activity.
• Avoid gambling under emotional stress. Playing during periods of anxiety, depression, or personal difficulty increases the risk of harmful behaviour.
• Use platform tools. Deposit limits, session reminders, and cooling-off periods are available on licensed platforms to support responsible play.
• Keep gambling separate from finances. Never use money reserved for rent, bills, groceries, or other essential expenses.
• Stay informed about odds. All casino games are built with a house edge. No strategy guarantees consistent winnings.
• Seek a balance. Ensure gambling does not replace time spent on family, work, health, or other meaningful activities.

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

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a regular basis.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or stop gambling activity.
• Preoccupation with gambling, such as constantly thinking about past sessions or planning the next one.
• Gambling to escape problems, relieve stress, or manage difficult emotions.
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling activity.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, education, or personal relationships as a result of gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite significant financial, social, or psychological consequences.
• Experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions.

Online casino registration and access to games are permitted only for individuals who have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction. All licensed platforms are required to verify the age of every new player as part of the registration process. If you are a parent or guardian, it is advisable to use parental control tools to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. Protecting young people from exposure to gambling is a shared responsibility.

Self-exclusion is a formal option available to players who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage. By requesting a self-exclusion, you can voluntarily block access to your account for a defined period, which may range from a few weeks to several years, or on a permanent basis. Reputable online casinos are obligated to honour self-exclusion requests promptly and to prevent the excluded player from creating new accounts during the exclusion period. This tool is confidential and can be initiated directly through the platform’s responsible gaming section or by contacting customer support. If you believe a temporary break is not sufficient, a permanent self-exclusion provides a stronger and longer-lasting safeguard for your wellbeing.

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

• iCall (TISS): A psychological counselling service offered by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Provides individual counselling and referrals for mental health and behavioural concerns. Helpline: 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline offering free support for individuals facing emotional distress, including addiction. Helpline: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier psychiatric and neuroscience institution in Bengaluru offering specialised addiction treatment programmes. Website: nimhans.ac.in.
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with addiction referral networks): Although primarily focused on alcohol dependency, AA India chapters frequently refer individuals to behavioural addiction specialists. Website: aaindia.org.
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this organisation provides confidential counselling services for a range of psychological and behavioural concerns. Helpline: +91-7676602602.
• Fortis Mental Health Helpline: A nationwide mental health support line available to individuals in crisis or seeking guidance on addiction. Helpline: 8376804102.