Playing Responsibly

Wherever any form of gambling is lawfully available, it carries a risk of harm for some people. This page collects general, informational guidance rather than promoting any specific activity.

Recognising a problem

Common signs associated with problem gambling include spending more time or money on gambling-related activity than intended, difficulty stopping despite wanting to, borrowing money to continue, neglecting work, study or relationships because of it, and feeling anxious, irritable or preoccupied when not engaged in the activity. These signs can apply to any regulated form of gambling, wherever it is lawfully offered.

General precautions

• Treat any lawful gambling activity as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money.
• Decide on a limit for time and money in advance, before any activity begins, and stick to it regardless of outcome.
• Avoid gambling-related activity while under the influence of alcohol or when experiencing significant stress, as judgment is often impaired in these states.
• Never borrow money, use funds needed for essential expenses, or use another person's funds for gambling-related activity.
• Take regular breaks and avoid extended, uninterrupted sessions.
• Be aware that chasing losses — increasing stakes or continuing specifically to recover money already lost — is strongly associated with harmful patterns.

Where to seek support

India does not currently have a single, centralised national gambling-harm helpline equivalent to those found in some other countries. Support is more commonly available through general mental health and counselling services. Verify current contact details before use, as helpline numbers and service availability can change:

• iCall Psychosocial Helpline — a counselling service operated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, offering support for a range of mental health and behavioural concerns. Verify current contact details.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) — a national mental health institute that has previously offered helpline and outpatient support relevant to compulsive behaviours, including gambling. Verify current contact details.
• State health department helplines — several state health departments maintain general mental health helplines that may be able to direct callers toward relevant local support. Contact your state's health department for current numbers.
• A qualified local counsellor or psychiatrist — for a structured, ongoing approach to addressing compulsive gambling behaviour, a mental health professional is often the most direct route to support.

Supporting someone else

If you are concerned about someone else's gambling-related behaviour, consider raising it directly but without judgment, encouraging them to speak with a mental health professional, and avoiding covering their debts, which research generally associates with prolonging rather than resolving harmful patterns. Family-inclusive counselling services, where available, can also help those affected by another person's gambling.