Responsible Gaming

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

• 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 how much you deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Track the time you spend gambling. Set a timer or use platform tools to monitor your session duration.
• Never chase your losses. Losses are part of gambling. Trying to recover them quickly often leads to greater losses.
• Avoid gambling under stress or emotional pressure. Gambling as an outlet for negative emotions increases risk.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at intervals during any gambling session.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. Only use funds that are genuinely disposable.
• Keep gambling separate from daily responsibilities. Your finances, work, and relationships come first.
• Use the self-exclusion tools available on your platform. These tools exist specifically to support you.
• Seek support early if you feel concerned. Contacting a helpline does not require a crisis; early intervention is always advisable.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended, on a consistent basis.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling altogether.
• Preoccupation with gambling, including constant thoughts about past or future bets.
• Gambling as a way to escape problems, anxiety, or low mood.
• Lying to family members or close ones about the extent of gambling activity.
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, personal, or professional consequences.
• Borrowing or misappropriating money to fund gambling.
• Withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling.
• Experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, or distress after gambling sessions.

Registration on any licensed online casino platform is permitted only for individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. In India, this typically means players must be at least 18 years of age, though age requirements may vary by state or territory. Platforms are required to verify age during the registration process to prevent underage access. If you are aware of a minor attempting to access online gambling services, report it to the platform immediately.

Online casinos that operate responsibly offer self-exclusion programmes as a direct support mechanism for players who feel their gambling is becoming problematic. Self-exclusion allows you to 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. During this period, the platform is obligated to prevent you from logging in, placing bets, or receiving promotional communications. You can typically request self-exclusion through your account settings, by contacting customer support, or by submitting a formal request to the platform. Some jurisdictions and platforms also participate in multi-operator exclusion schemes, which extend your exclusion across multiple sites simultaneously. Self-exclusion is a serious and effective step, and using it reflects a responsible and informed decision about your own wellbeing.

Professional help is available for anyone in India who is affected by gambling-related harm. Reaching out to a qualified organisation is a practical and positive step forward.

• iCall (Tata Institute of Social Sciences): A psychological counselling service based in Mumbai that offers support for behavioural addictions, including gambling. Contact: +91-9152987821. Website: icallhelpline.org
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline offering free counselling across India. Contact: 1860-2662-345 or +91-9999-666-555. Website: vandrevalafoundation.com
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier institute in Bengaluru that provides clinical services for addiction and behavioural disorders. Website: nimhans.ac.in
• Parivarthan Counselling, Training and Research Centre: Based in Bengaluru, this organisation provides individual counselling and referral services for addiction-related concerns. Contact: +91-7676-602-602. Website: parivarthan.org
• Gamblers Anonymous India: A fellowship programme modelled on the international GA framework, offering peer support groups for individuals affected by compulsive gambling. Website: gamblersanonymous.org.in
• AASRA (All India Association for Suicide Prevention and Awareness): Offers crisis support and referral services for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to addiction. Contact: +91-22-27546669. Website: aasra.info