Your Safety in Online Gambling

Responsible gaming means enjoying betting while staying in control.

You can use these strategies to keep gambling as a form of paid entertainment, not a way to earn income.

Key responsible gaming strategies

• Set a fixed budget for gambling and stick to it, even on a lucky day
• Decide in advance how much time you will spend and set reminders to log out
• Use deposit limits, loss limits, and session limits in your casino account settings
• Treat gambling as entertainment, never as a solution for financial problems or debts
• Avoid chasing losses and accept that losing is part of gambling
• Use only disposable income, not money kept aside for rent, bills, education, or family needs
• Take regular breaks so you can think clearly and avoid impulsive decisions
• Do not gamble when you feel stressed, angry, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Keep track of your results in a simple note or spreadsheet to see the real impact over time
• Talk openly to a trusted friend or family member about your gambling habits and limits

Gambling issues can develop gradually.

You may notice some changes in your behaviour, finances, or mood.

Common signs of gambling addiction

• Thinking about gambling most of the time or planning the next session constantly
• Needing to bet higher amounts to feel the same excitement as before
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to play after you have lost your budget
• Hiding gambling from family or friends, or lying about time and money spent
• Using money meant for essentials such as rent, fees, loans, or groceries to gamble
• Struggling to pay regular bills or taking loans to cover gambling losses
• Feeling restless, irritated, or low when you try to cut down or stop
• Missing work, studies, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, conflicts, or other emotional difficulties
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling on your own

If several of these points describe your current situation, professional support can help you regain control.

Online gambling services are intended only for adults. In most parts of India, you must be at least 18 years old to use real money gaming services, and some states may require 21 years.

Online casinos and betting sites are required to verify your age during registration or before withdrawals. Providing accurate age details and documents protects both you and the operator.

Minors should not access gambling websites, apps, or payment methods linked to betting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use device passwords, child locks, and content filters to limit access to real money gaming platforms.

If you feel that gambling is no longer under control, self-exclusion can create distance and safety.

Most reputable online casinos offer voluntary tools that allow you to temporarily or permanently block your account. During a self-exclusion period, you cannot log in, deposit, or place bets.

Typical self-exclusion tools

• Cooling-off periods: Short breaks such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days to help you step back and reassess your gambling
• Long-term self-exclusion: Blocking access for a longer duration, often 6 months or more
• Permanent closure: Closing the account when you no longer wish to gamble on that site

You can usually request self-exclusion from the account settings or by contacting customer support. In many cases, the casino will also remove you from marketing lists and promotional messages.

These measures are not a cure for addiction but they can support treatment and give you space to focus on recovery. For stronger protection, combine self-exclusion on gambling sites with software that blocks access to betting and casino platforms on your devices.

Help is available in India if gambling is affecting your life, finances, or relationships. Professional support can provide guidance, counselling, and treatment suited to your situation.

Organisations and services that may support you

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
  Offers specialised clinics for addiction and mental health, including behavioural addictions.
  Website: https://nimhans.ac.in
  Helpline (information and appointments): +91-80-2699 5858 / 2699 5859
• NIMHANS National Mental Health Helpline (Kiran)
  Government-supported 24×7 mental health helpline that may guide you to local services.
  Helpline number: 1800-599-0019
• AIIMS Behavioural Addiction Clinics (select centres)
  All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospitals in some cities run clinics for substance and behavioural addictions, where gambling problems can be assessed and treated.
  Website: https://www.aiims.edu (check your city-specific AIIMS site for clinic details)
• State-run de-addiction and mental health centres
  Many states operate government hospitals and de-addiction centres that also address behavioural problems such as gambling.
  Contact your nearest district hospital or state health department website for addresses.
• Private psychiatrists and clinical psychologists
  Licensed mental health professionals across India can evaluate gambling habits, provide counselling, and design treatment plans.
  You can search professional directories or contact local hospitals for referrals.
• Online counselling platforms
  Several Indian telehealth and counselling platforms offer sessions by video or phone, which may include support for gambling-related issues.
  Choose providers that employ qualified psychiatrists or clinical psychologists registered in India.

If you face a medical or safety emergency linked to gambling or severe distress, contact your local emergency number or visit the nearest hospital immediately.