Responsible Gaming

Betting is entertainment with a price tag, and it should never be anything more. This page collects the practical rules that keep it that way, and the warning signs that mean it is time to stop.

Ground rules that work

Budget first. Decide a weekly amount you can lose without consequence — before the week starts, not during a match.
Time-box sessions. Set an end time before you begin. Quick games especially blur time.
Withdraw winnings. Money left in the balance gets re-staked. Take profits out regularly.
Never chase. A losing day stays a small losing day unless you double stakes to "fix" it.
No borrowed money, ever. If the stake comes from a loan, rent money or someone else's pocket, do not place it.
Keep it social-free. Do not let groups or tipsters pressure your stakes — their risk is not your risk.

Warning signs

Be honest with yourself if any of these sound familiar:

Betting with money meant for essentials, or hiding betting from family.
Chasing losses with bigger stakes, or feeling unable to stop during a losing run.
Betting to escape stress rather than to enjoy a match.
Borrowing to bet, or selling things to fund deposits.
Neglecting work, studies or relationships because of gaming sessions.

Two or more of these are a signal to take a serious break, not to "play more carefully".

Getting help

If gambling is causing you or someone close to you harm, talk to a person you trust and consider professional support. Free, confidential help is available in India — iCall (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) offers psychosocial counselling at 9152987821, and government tele-counselling is available through Tele-MANAS at 14416. Your regular doctor is also a good first step.

Age requirement

Real-money games are for adults only. If you are under 18, this website and the platforms it discusses are not for you — no exceptions.

If you choose to play, our safety checklist and the ground rules above are the way to keep it a game.