Responsible Gambling

An IPL bet with friends or a few rounds of Aviator can be fun, as long as it stays a hobby with clear limits. Gambling is not a way to earn money or solve money worries. These tips help you keep it that way.

For adults only

Nobody under 18 may gamble. Keep your account details, UPI PIN and cards away from children and teenagers, and always log out on shared phones and computers.

Set your limits on day one

The easiest time to set limits is right after you register, before your first deposit. Most platforms let you cap deposits, losses and session time in your profile. Lowering a limit usually takes effect at once, while raising it takes a waiting period, which is exactly what makes limits work.

Good habits for every session

• Decide on a budget before you play and stop when it is used up.
• Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and never chase them.
• Do not let a bonus or promo code push you into depositing more than planned.
• Avoid crash games and live betting when you are tired, angry or have been drinking.
• Turn off push notifications for flash promotions if they tempt you to play.
• Never borrow money or use savings meant for rent, fees or family.

Warning signs

• You bet more often or with bigger stakes than you intended.
• You keep thinking about the next match or the next spin.
• You hide how much you play or how much you have lost.
• You feel restless or irritable when you cannot gamble.
• Gambling is affecting your studies, work, money or relationships.

If any of these sound familiar, take them seriously and talk to someone you trust.

Breaks and self-exclusion

You can ask a platform’s customer support for a cooling-off period or to close your account permanently. Blocking apps can stop betting sites from opening on your phone and computer, and deleting saved payment details makes every deposit a conscious decision.

Free support in India

• Tele-MANAS, 14416: the Government of India’s free mental health helpline, available round the clock in many Indian languages.
• NIMHANS SHUT Clinic, Bengaluru: the Service for Healthy Use of Technology helps people struggling with gaming, gambling and technology use.
• Gamblers Anonymous India: peer support groups for people affected by gambling and for their families.

Reaching out is a sign of strength. If you have questions about this page, write to us via our Contact page.