Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming means treating online gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Simple habits can reduce risk and help you keep control of your time and budget.

Practical strategies you can use

• Set a fixed budget before you play Decide how much you can afford to lose without affecting rent, bills, education, or family needs. Stick to this amount even if you feel tempted to continue.
• Use deposit and loss limits Many legal operators allow daily, weekly, or monthly limits on deposits, losses, or play time. Set conservative limits and review them regularly.
• Treat gambling as paid entertainment View your spending like buying a movie ticket or going to a match. Wins are random and temporary, not a steady source of income.
• Never chase losses Do not increase your bets to try to recover money you have lost. This often leads to larger losses and stress. Take a break instead.
• Avoid gambling when upset or tired Do not gamble if you feel stressed, angry, sad, or exhausted. These states weaken decision-making and increase impulsive bets.
• Separate gambling money from daily money Use a separate wallet, bank account, or UPI profile for gambling. Once this balance is spent, stop playing.
• Set time limits and take regular breaks Decide in advance how long you will play. Use alarms or in-game reminders, and step away from the screen to reset your thoughts.
• Do not borrow money to gamble Avoid credit cards, personal loans, or borrowing from friends or family to fund gambling. Debt can increase pressure and harm relationships.
• Balance gambling with other activities Maintain hobbies, social connections, studies, or work. A balanced routine reduces the risk of gambling becoming central in your life.
• Track your play and review statements Check your account history, bank statements, and e-wallet logs. Honest awareness of how much you spend can guide safer choices.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising early warning signs helps you take action before the situation escalates.

Common warning signs

• Thinking about gambling very often Constantly planning the next game or bet, or reliving past wins and losses.
• Needing to bet higher amounts Increasing stake sizes to feel the same excitement as before.
• Lying or hiding gambling activity Concealing betting slips, bank statements, or online activity from family or friends.
• Gambling impacts work or studies Missing deadlines, skipping classes, or underperforming at work due to late-night play or distraction.
• Using gambling to escape problems Playing to avoid thinking about stress, conflict, money issues, or emotional pain.
• Chasing losses regularly Frequently returning to play to recover money lost in previous sessions.
• Spending more than you can afford Using money needed for bills, groceries, education, medicines, or family obligations.
• Borrowing or selling items to fund gambling Taking loans, pawning valuables, or using credit that you cannot comfortably repay.
• Relationship tensions or conflicts Arguments, mistrust, or distance from family or friends linked to gambling behaviour.
• Feeling guilt, anxiety, or hopelessness Experiencing shame after gambling, but still finding it hard to stop or cut down.

If you notice several of these signs in your own life or in someone close to you, support and professional help are available in India.

Online casinos and betting platforms are intended for adults who have reached the legal age of majority. In India this usually means 18 years or older, though some states apply different rules for specific forms of gambling.

Operators are required to prevent underage access through age checks and identity verification. Parents and guardians can support this by monitoring device use, securing payment methods, and not sharing gambling accounts.

Protecting minors from gambling environments helps reduce future harm and encourages healthy attitudes to risk and money.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that allows you to block your access to gambling sites for a chosen period. It is designed for people who feel they are losing control or want a structured break.

Most reputable online casinos provide tools such as temporary time-outs, long-term self-exclusion, and permanent account closure. During self-exclusion you cannot deposit, wager, or receive marketing from that operator. In many cases customer support can help you choose the most suitable option for your situation.

It can be helpful to combine self-exclusion with other measures, such as uninstalling gambling apps, blocking gambling websites on your devices, and limiting access to payment methods used for betting.

Self-exclusion is not a sign of failure. It is a practical step that many people in India and worldwide use to protect their finances, mental health, and relationships.

Gambling problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Professional and confidential support is available across India for you and your family members.

Key support organisations and resources

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Based in Bengaluru, NIMHANS offers assessment and treatment for behavioural addictions, including problem gambling, through its psychiatry and clinical psychology services.
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Behavioural Addiction Clinics AIIMS New Delhi and some other AIIMS centres run clinics that address behavioural addictions such as gaming and gambling, offering counselling and medical support.
• State mental health hospitals and medical college psychiatry departments Government hospitals and teaching institutions across states provide outpatient services where psychiatrists and clinical psychologists can assess and manage gambling-related issues.
• Private psychiatrists and clinical psychologists Licensed mental health professionals in cities and towns across India can offer individual therapy, family counselling, and relapse-prevention planning.
• De-addiction centres and rehabilitation facilities Some de-addiction centres, particularly in major cities, now treat behavioural addictions along with substance use disorders. Quality and services vary, so medical referral is recommended.
• Tele-mental health and helpline services (e.g., national or state helplines) Several states and national initiatives offer phone and online counselling for mental health concerns, where you can discuss gambling issues confidentially and receive guidance on nearby services.
• Non-government organisations working in mental health NGOs in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata provide low-cost or free counselling, support groups, and referrals for people facing harmful gambling behaviour.

If you plan to contact any service, you can start by explaining how gambling affects your daily life, finances, or relationships. Support is confidential and focused on practical steps that match your needs and circumstances.