Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means staying in control of your time, your money, and your emotions. You can follow simple habits that lower risk and keep play enjoyable.

Practical strategies you can use

• Decide your budget in advance: Set a fixed gambling budget that you can afford to lose and never spend beyond it.
• Use deposit and loss limits: Apply daily, weekly, or monthly limits in your casino account to control how much you can add or lose.
• Set clear time limits: Plan your playing session length, use alarms, and log out once the time is over.
• Separate gambling money from daily expenses: Keep gambling funds apart from money for rent, food, bills, and family needs.
• Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of gambling and stop when you reach your limit.
• Avoid playing when upset or stressed: Do not gamble to manage sadness, anger, boredom, or financial pressure.
• Do not borrow to gamble: Avoid loans, credit cards, or borrowing from family and friends for gambling.
• Balance gambling with other activities: Spend time on work, study, family, exercise, and hobbies so gambling is only one small part of your life.
• Track your play: Review your transaction history and time spent so you understand your habits.
• Use responsible gaming tools: Explore reality checks, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options in your casino account when needed.

Gambling addiction can develop slowly and may be hard to notice at first. Paying attention to early warning signs helps you act before problems grow.

Common warning signs

• Spending more money than planned: Regularly going over your gambling budget or using savings meant for other purposes.
• Chasing losses: Increasing bet size or playing longer in an attempt to recover money already lost.
• Hiding gambling from others: Lying about how much you play, how much you spend, or deleting transaction records.
• Borrowing or selling possessions: Taking loans, using credit, or selling items to get money to gamble.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, classes, or family duties because of gambling.
• Strong mood changes linked to gambling: Feeling irritation, anxiety, or low mood when you cannot play or after losing.
• Thinking about gambling all the time: Constantly planning the next session or bet, even during work or family time.
• Having repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop: Trying to cut down or quit but returning to gambling again.
• Using gambling to escape: Playing to avoid problems, worries, or difficult emotions.
• Risking important relationships: Conflicts with family or friends related to gambling behaviour or debts.

If you recognise several of these signs in your own behaviour, it may be time to review your habits and consider professional support.

Online casino services are designed for adults who have reached the legal age of majority in their state or union territory. Operators are required to prevent underage access and may carry out age and identity checks.

If you are not yet of legal age, you must not register an account, deposit funds, or play online casino games. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor device use, secure payment details, and use parental control tools to reduce the risk of underage gambling at home.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that allows you to block access to your gambling account for a chosen period. It is a practical tool for anyone who feels gambling is no longer under control or wants a complete break.

During self-exclusion, you cannot log in to your gambling account, place bets, or deposit funds. Depending on the operator, you may choose short cooling-off periods, long-term exclusion, or permanent closure.

To activate self-exclusion, you usually need to visit the responsible gaming section of your casino account or contact customer support. Some regions also provide central self-exclusion registers that apply across multiple gambling sites.

Self-exclusion is confidential and does not solve financial or emotional difficulties by itself. It works best when combined with professional counselling, support from trusted people, and practical steps to address debt or stress.

Gambling addiction is a recognised mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Support is available in India through professional services and dedicated helplines.

Indian organisations and resources

• National Mental Health Helpline (Kiran Helpline) 1800-599-0019
  A 24×7 toll-free helpline from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Provides emotional support and guidance on accessing mental health services, including for addictive behaviours.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), Bengaluru
  A leading centre for mental health and addiction treatment. Offers outpatient and inpatient services, de-addiction clinics, and tele-counselling resources.
• AIIMS Behavioural and Addictive Disorders Clinics (New Delhi and other centres)
  Government hospital services that provide assessment and treatment for behavioural addictions, including gambling-related issues.
• State-run de-addiction centres
  Many states operate government de-addiction facilities that can address substance and behavioural addictions. Contact your local health department or district hospital for referrals.
• Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in your city
  Licensed professionals can diagnose gambling disorder, offer therapy, and coordinate treatment plans tailored to your situation.
• Online counselling platforms in India
  Several telehealth services connect you to qualified mental health professionals for secure online sessions, which may be helpful if local services are limited.

If gambling is harming your finances, relationships, or health, professional help and structured support can guide you toward safer habits and recovery.