Responsible Gaming

Maintaining control over your gaming habits protects both your finances and mental health. These practical strategies help you enjoy gaming safely:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed this amount.
• Use deposit limits. Most platforms allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps.
• Track your time. Set session limits to prevent extended play periods that blur judgement.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of the entertainment cost. Trying to win back money often leads to bigger losses.
• Avoid gaming under influence. Alcohol and substances impair decision-making.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen every 30-45 minutes.
• Keep gaming separate from other activities. Do not play whilst working, studying, or spending time with family.
• Use reality checks. Enable pop-up reminders that show how long you have been playing.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. Only use disposable income you can afford to lose.
• Seek balance. Maintain hobbies, relationships, and responsibilities outside of gaming.

Recognising problem gambling early makes recovery easier. Pay attention if you notice these warning signs:

• Spending more money than you planned. You regularly exceed your budget or deposit more after losing.
• Lying about your gaming activity. You hide how much time or money you spend from family and friends.
• Neglecting responsibilities. Work, studies, or family duties suffer because of gaming.
• Chasing losses obsessively. You feel compelled to keep playing until you win back what you lost.
• Borrowing money to play. You take loans, use credit cards, or ask others for money to fund gaming.
• Gaming to escape problems. You play to avoid thinking about stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Feeling restless when not playing. You become irritable or anxious when unable to access gaming platforms.
• Increasing bet sizes. You need to wager more money to feel the same excitement.
• Failed attempts to stop. You have tried to quit or reduce gaming but cannot.
• Relationship conflicts. Arguments with loved ones about your gaming habits occur frequently.

Online casino registration and gameplay are strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction. Operators verify age during the registration process to prevent underage access. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and employ parental control software to protect minors. Allowing underage individuals to access gaming platforms violates legal requirements and exposes young people to serious harm.

Most reputable online casinos offer voluntary self-exclusion programmes that temporarily or permanently block your access to their platform. This tool helps players who recognise they need a break from gaming to regain control. You can typically choose exclusion periods ranging from 24 hours to permanent closure. During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account, make deposits, or receive promotional materials. Some operators participate in multi-operator exclusion schemes that block you from multiple platforms simultaneously. Contact customer support to activate self-exclusion, and the casino will process your request immediately. This option provides breathing space to address underlying issues without the temptation to continue playing.

Professional support is available if you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction. These organisations provide confidential assistance:

• Gamblers Anonymous India – Peer support groups following the 12-step recovery programme. Meetings operate in major cities across India.
• SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic, NIMHANS Bangalore – Specialised treatment centre offering counselling and therapy for behavioural addictions, including gambling.
• iCall Psychosocial Helpline – Free telephone and email counselling service operated by TISS Mumbai. Available Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. Call 9152987821.
• Mpower 1on1 – Mental health service providing therapy for addiction issues. Accessible online and through clinic visits in Mumbai.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – 24/7 crisis support and counselling. Call 1860 2662 345 or 1800 2333 330.
• Private psychiatrists and psychologists – Many mental health professionals in India now specialise in addiction treatment. Seek referrals from your general practitioner.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible with proper support.