Your Safety While Gambling Online

Responsible gambling means staying in control of your time, money, and emotions. The strategies below can support healthy habits every time you play.

• Set a fixed budget for gambling and do not cross it, even if you feel tempted.
• Decide in advance how long you will play and log out when that time is over.
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to earn regular income or pay bills.
• Use deposit limits, loss limits, and wager limits in your casino account whenever available.
• Keep a record of your deposits and withdrawals so you know your real spending.
• Avoid gambling when you feel stressed, angry, lonely, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not chase losses; accept that losing is a natural part of gambling.
• Separate money for gambling from money needed for rent, EMIs, education, and daily expenses.
• Take regular breaks during play to check how you feel and how much you have spent.
• Talk honestly about your gambling habits with someone you trust if you feel your control is slipping.

Gambling problems can develop slowly and may be hard to notice at first. Recognising early signs helps you take action before serious harm occurs.

• Thinking about gambling most of the time or planning the next session constantly.
• Spending more money than you planned, or needing higher stakes to feel the same excitement.
• Hiding your gambling activity or lying about how much you play or lose.
• Using money meant for household expenses, school fees, EMIs, or business needs to gamble.
• Feeling restless, irritated, or low when you try to cut down or stop gambling.
• Chasing losses by returning to gamble again to recover money you lost earlier.
• Neglecting work, studies, family, or social life because of gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings, or taking loans to fund gambling.
• Experiencing frequent guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial stress, relationship tension, or health problems caused by gambling.

Online gambling services are meant only for adults who have reached the legal age of majority. In most parts of India, this is 18 years, and in some states it may be higher. You should check local laws in your state or union territory before registering at any online casino. Accounts must not be created in the name of minors, and children should never have access to gambling websites, apps, or payment details used for gambling.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that allows you to block access to your gambling account for a chosen period. This tool is useful if you notice loss of control, frequent urges to play, or financial pressure due to gambling.

Most licensed online casinos provide options to temporarily suspend your account or permanently close it for gambling purposes. During self-exclusion, you cannot log in to play or make deposits, and you should not open new accounts at the same brand. You can also request customer support to apply limits such as cooling-off periods, deposit caps, or betting limits. Using these tools early can prevent your gambling from turning into a serious problem.

If you feel that gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, you can seek confidential help. Professional guidance and counselling can support you in regaining control.

Some useful resources in India include:

• NIMHANS Centre for Addiction Medicine (Bengaluru)
  Offers clinical services for behavioural addictions, including gambling.
  Website: https://nimhans.ac.in
  Helpline: 080-46110007 (Tele-MANAS, mental health support)
• National Institute of Social Defence (NISD)
  Works in the area of addiction prevention and rehabilitation through partner centres.
  Website: https://www.nisd.gov.in
• AIIMS Department of Psychiatry (New Delhi)
  Provides assessment and treatment for addiction and related mental health concerns.
  Website: https://www.aiims.edu
• Tele-MANAS National Tele-Mental Health Programme
  Government-supported mental health helpline, accessible from most states.
  Helpline: 14416 or 1-800-891-4416
• State Mental Health Helplines
  Many states and union territories operate toll-free mental health helplines where you can ask for support related to gambling problems.
• Local Psychiatrists And Clinical Psychologists
  You can consult registered mental health professionals in your city for individual counselling and treatment plans.

If you feel at risk of self-harm or in immediate danger, contact your nearest hospital emergency department or local emergency services without delay.