Play Smart, Stay Safe
Gaming should always be fun, not a burden. This guide helps you recognise the warning signs, take control of your time and money, and find support whenever you need it.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If several of these feel familiar, it may be time to pause and reassess your relationship with gaming.
- Chasing losses — playing more to win back money you've already lost.
- Spending more time or money than you planned, again and again.
- Borrowing money, selling things, or using bill money to keep playing.
- Hiding how much you play or lying about it to family and friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not playing.
- Gaming to escape stress, loneliness or low mood rather than for fun.
- Neglecting work, studies, sleep or relationships because of gaming.
- Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop but being unable to.
Self-Exclusion & Taking a Break
Most reputable operators provide tools to help you step away. Here is how to use them.
1. Set a Cool-Off
Use the operator's "cool-off" option to lock yourself out for 24 hours to a few weeks while you reset.
2. Self-Exclude
For a longer break, request self-exclusion (often 6 months to permanent) in the account settings or via support.
3. Block Access
Install device-level blocking tools or app limits, and remove saved payment methods to add friction.
4. Reach Out
Tell someone you trust and contact a support service. You don't have to handle it alone.
Track Your Spending
Why a spending tracker matters
It's easy to lose track of small deposits that add up over a week or month. A simple spending tracker keeps you honest about exactly how much you're putting in versus taking out.
- Write down every deposit and withdrawal, with the date and amount.
- Total your net result at the end of each week — be honest about losses.
- Set a fixed monthly limit before you play, and stop when you reach it.
- Use any deposit-limit and reality-check reminder tools your operator offers.
- If your net spend keeps rising, treat that as a clear signal to take a break.
Remember: Money spent on gaming is the cost of entertainment, not an investment. Never play with money meant for rent, food, bills or family needs.
External Support Resources
Free, confidential help is available. These independent organisations support people across India.
NCPG India
A national-level resource focused on responsible gaming and problem-gambling awareness. It offers guidance, information and referral support for anyone worried about their own or a loved one's gambling. Look up the current National Council on Problem Gambling resources for India for confidential help.
iCall
A psychosocial helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences offering free, confidential counselling by trained professionals. If gaming is affecting your mental health, stress levels or relationships, iCall provides emotional support and guidance over phone and email.
Always verify the latest official contact details for any helpline directly through its website before reaching out.
Healthy Play Tips
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can comfortably afford to lose before you start. Treat it like the price of a night out — and never top up beyond it.
Set Time Limits
Give yourself a clear stop time and take regular breaks. Long, unbroken sessions cloud judgement and make it harder to walk away.
Never Chase Losses
Losses are part of the game. Trying to win them back almost always leads to bigger losses. When the budget's gone, the session is over.