Responsible Gaming

Safe gambling starts with making conscious choices before you play. These practical strategies help you maintain control and enjoy gaming as entertainment, not a problem.

• Set a budget before you start playing. Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount.
• Establish time limits for your gaming sessions. Use alarms or reminders to help you stick to predetermined durations.
• Never chase losses. Accept that losing is part of gaming and walk away when your budget is exhausted.
• Avoid gambling when you feel stressed, anxious, or upset. Emotional decisions often lead to poor choices.
• Take regular breaks during play. Step away from the screen every 30-45 minutes to maintain perspective.
• Keep gambling separate from other activities. Don’t gamble while working, studying, or spending time with family.
• Use deposit limits and self-exclusion tools. Most licensed casinos offer these features to help you stay in control.
• Track your spending and time. Monitor your gambling habits to identify patterns that concern you.
• Never borrow money to gamble. Only use disposable income that won’t affect your essential expenses.
• Maintain other hobbies and interests. Balance is key to preventing gambling from becoming your primary activity.

Recognising the warning signs early can prevent serious problems. If you notice these behaviours in yourself or someone close to you, it’s time to seek support.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended. You regularly exceed your planned budget or session duration.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school. Gambling takes priority over important commitments.
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling. You hide the extent of your activity from loved ones.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling. You’re using credit cards, loans, or personal items to continue playing.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down. Attempts to reduce gambling cause significant discomfort.
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions. You use gaming as a coping mechanism for stress or depression.
• Chasing losses repeatedly. You return to gambling immediately after losing, trying to win back money.
• Relationship problems caused by gambling. Your gaming habits create conflict with family members or friends.
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. Hobbies and social connections suffer due to gambling.
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about your gambling. You experience regret but find it difficult to stop.

Online casino registration and slot play are strictly restricted to individuals who have reached the legal age of majority. This requirement protects young people from the risks associated with gambling. Licensed operators verify player age during registration using government-issued identification documents. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and enable parental controls to prevent underage access to gambling sites.

Reputable online casinos provide voluntary account blocking options to help players manage gambling problems. Self-exclusion allows you to temporarily or permanently restrict your access to gaming platforms. You can set exclusion periods ranging from 24 hours to several months or years, depending on your needs. During this period, the casino blocks your ability to log in, make deposits, or receive promotional communications. Many operators also participate in shared exclusion databases, preventing you from opening accounts at other participating sites. This tool gives you time to step back, seek help, and regain control without the temptation to return.

You don’t have to face gambling problems alone. Professional organisations in India offer confidential support, counselling, and treatment services.

• Gamblers Anonymous India – Peer support groups following the 12-step recovery programme. Meetings available in major cities across India.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) – Provides addiction counselling and psychiatric support in Bangalore with outreach programmes nationwide.
• iCall Psychosocial Helpline – Free, confidential telephone and email counselling service offered by TISS Mumbai. Available in multiple Indian languages.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – 24/7 mental health support including gambling addiction counselling. Toll-free service across India.
• Fortis Healthcare Addiction Services – Specialised treatment programmes for gambling addiction at Fortis hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
• Muktangan De-addiction Centre – Residential and outpatient treatment programmes for various addictions including gambling, based in Pune.
• Your family doctor or GP – Can provide referrals to local mental health professionals and addiction specialists in your area.