Responsible Gaming

Maintaining healthy gambling habits begins with a few consistent practices. The following strategies can help players protect their wellbeing and keep gambling a safe, controlled activity.

• Set a fixed budget before playing and never exceed it, regardless of outcomes;
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a source of income;
• Use the deposit, loss, and wagering limits available on licensed platforms;
• Take regular breaks during gaming sessions to avoid prolonged play;
• Avoid gambling when feeling stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol;
• Keep track of the time and money spent on gambling each week;
• Avoid chasing losses by increasing bets or continuing to play to recover funds;
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities and social commitments;
• Never borrow money or use credit to fund gambling;
• Speak openly with a trusted person if gambling begins to feel difficult to control.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Awareness of the following warning signs can help players and their loved ones identify a problem at an early stage.

• Spending more money on gambling than originally intended;
• Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite repeated attempts;
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back on gambling;
• Lying to family members or friends about the extent of gambling activity;
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal responsibilities due to gambling;
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or facing debt as a result of gambling;
• Continuing to gamble even after significant financial or personal losses;
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions;
• Experiencing strong urges or preoccupation with gambling throughout the day;
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were previously enjoyable.

Online casino registration and participation in any form of real-money gambling are strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. Players are required to verify their age during the registration process, and any account found to belong to an underage individual will be closed immediately. Licensed platforms are obligated to implement robust age verification measures as part of their responsible gaming policy. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental control tools to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites.

Licensed online casinos offer self-exclusion options as a voluntary tool for players who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to manage. A self-exclusion allows a player to temporarily or permanently block access to their account, removing the ability to place bets or make deposits for a set period. This tool is designed to provide immediate relief for those experiencing gambling-related difficulties, and it is typically available through the account settings or by contacting customer support. During the exclusion period, the platform is required to restrict all marketing communications directed at the player. Activating self-exclusion is a responsible and supported step, and players are encouraged to seek additional professional help alongside using this feature.

Professional support is available for individuals in India who are struggling with gambling addiction. The following organisations provide confidential guidance, counselling, and treatment services.

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Support): A helpline and counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) offering mental health support, including addiction-related issues. Reachable at 9152987821;
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline providing free counselling and crisis support across India. Reachable at 1860-2662-345;
• Snehi: A non-profit organisation providing emotional support and mental health assistance through trained volunteers. Reachable at 044-24640050;
• Nimhans (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A leading psychiatric institution in Bengaluru that provides specialised addiction treatment and outpatient services;
• Alcoholics Anonymous India (with Gamblers Anonymous meetings): Support group networks available in several Indian cities, offering peer-based recovery programmes for individuals with addictive behaviours.