Responsible Gambling in India – Guide for Indian Players
In a world where the Internet involves almost every aspect of our lives, online security is essential, and that closely regards online gambling. The promotion of responsible gambling in India is something that licensed operators must respect. Tools such as self-exclusion programmes and deposit management should be easily accessible to Indian players. Stay with us to learn more on the topic.
What is Considered Responsible Online Gambling in India?
The online gambling situation in India is complicated. The regulations about who can gamble in India vary from one area to another. Some states, such as Sikkim, authorise multiple casino games and betting options. Others, like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, completely ban online gambling on their territories. There are also states where online casinos and sports betting platforms are grey areas. However, in any case, minors are forbidden to bet online.
No matter the delicate situation of online gambling, the state is moving forward to updating the Information Technology Act 2000. The Draft Amendment previses the establishment of self-regulatory bodies, which will monitor compliance with the law as they will promote responsible online gambling in India. That will include the option for players to self-exclude themselves from selected gaming platforms.
Who Is Allowed to Gamble Online from India?
Playing online can be entertaining, but only if you learn to control it. If you have ever felt like nothing in life brings you happiness except for gambling, it’s time to rethink your habits. Players who have lost a significant amount of time from their personal lives, work, or studies while betting should search for help. Check which other groups, which should stick to responsible gaming in India:
- Minors – Players below the legal gambling age are not allowed to participate in casino games or betting.
- Players from regions where gambling is banned – Complying with local gaming regulations is a responsibility for Indian residents.
- People with financial problems – If you gambled more than what you can afford or accumulated debts, you should activate a deposit limit or a cool-off period.
- Players with depression or suicidal thoughts – Mental health is a priority, and responsible gambling programmes can provide emotional support.
- People who lose track of time while betting – If you lose more time gambling when you should be doing something else, self-help responsible gambling tools in India may help you.
To summarise, adults that are residents or are visiting Indian states where online gambling is legal are allowed to enjoy casino games and sports betting platforms. However, even if you fall into these categories, you should be cautious about the problem gambling symptoms mentioned above. In any case, we advise you to keep reading and learn about the best practices and organisations in the sector.
Indian Responsible Online Gambling: Best Practices
Responsible online gambling in India is a sum of social practices and initiatives within the industry. A collaboration between professionals such as casino operators, regulators, and governments is needed to keep the players away from harm. On each legal gaming platform, you should be able to find a link to an organisation that will support you on your journey to bet responsibly.
If players are informed about the potential harm of excessive gambling, much trouble can be avoided. That is why we dedicate this article to everyone who has doubts or is just curious about how to keep their gaming habits healthy. Further, we will discuss the following topics and share more about responsible gambling tools and practices for Indians.
Set a Deposit Limit
Did it ever happen to you to spend more money than you could afford? If yes, you can explore money management practices. For example, all operators that comply with responsible gaming in IN must allow players to set a deposit limit. If you decide on a budget in advance and then stick to it, the chances of not overspending are high.
Simple tactics you can approach include walking away from your losses instead of trying to gain them back. Telling a friend that you are keeping track of your spending at gambling sites in India can also help you keep your gaming patterns healthy. Organisations such as GamCare also provide detailed guides on the topic.
Keep Track of Time
After financial losses, losing track of time is the second most common symptom among problem gamblers. Immersing in a gaming session may bring you joy, but when that affects your relationships and social life, we recommend you seek help. Financial management is important, but so is emotional support – you can count on psychologists’ and behaviour experts’ advice if you responsibly start your journey to safer gambling.
Most casino operators provide built-in clocks to activate before each gaming session. Beware of symptoms such as mood changes and problems with sleeping. Your losing interest in spending time with family and friends can also translate into a sign that your online gambling has taken over your social life.
Participate in a Self-Exclusion Programme
If your gambling habits start worrying you and your close ones, a self-exclusion programme may get you back on track. All you need to do is contact a responsible gambling organisation or the staff of your preferred online casino and ask for help. They will provide information on the registration process, but in general, the minimum duration of the programme is six months.
- Set a Mental Barrier on Gambling Urges – Setting your mind to avoid betting may take some time, but thanks to multiple responsible gambling tools in IN, you will receive 100% guidance. You will also be excluded from marketing databases and limit the apparition of gambling ads on social media.
- Seek Self-Exclusion Help from a Responsible Gambling Entity – Visit the home page of any responsible gaming institution, and you will find quick access to self-exclusion programmes with a few clicks. Read the instructions on how to sign up and follow the simple steps provided by the organisation.
- Refer to Gambling Site for Self-Exclusion Options – Any legal online casino or betting platform must partner with at least one responsible gambling organisation. You will see the featured partners at the bottom of their home page. Contact customer support and ask how to apply for self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion programmes are among the most effective responsible gambling tools in IN. You have the option to self-exclude from one or more gaming platforms at the same time. All you need to do is click on the website’s Responsible Gambling or Safer Gambling icon.
If you need help, customer service will support you. To participate, you must provide proof of identity, such as a copy of your ID, photo, or banking statement. After signing up, you will no longer be accepted at the gaming venues in the self-exclusion programme.
Make a List of Self-Limiting Techniques and Stick to Them
You have several options to help you limit your online gambling. These include implementing a few simple tactics in your daily life, starting with avoiding places that remind you of casinos or betting venues. One more successful strategy is to limit access to your finances or stick to a strict budget. Check out the rest of the self-limitation ideas for gamblers below:
- Set a Spending Budget
- Limit Easy Access to Money
- Take Breaks from Gambling
- Stay Busy with Hobbies
- Find a Support Network
- Write a Pros and Cons Lis
If you take these small steps and stick to them, you will successfully build a healthier relationship with betting. We advise you to choose a close person whom you can trust and with whom you can share your difficulties during the transition process. Talking to people in your situation can also have a positive effect. All organisations for responsible gambling in India can give you access to groups and events that are right for you.
Another approach is to apply alternative ways of thinking. When in doubt about whether to gamble, ask yourself what the most realistic outcome you can get is. Reflect on what you would do if a friend were in the same situation or how others interpret your gambling problem. Then, write down a list of the pros and cons of reducing or quitting gambling. Even if it’s a little progress, take your time to acknowledge it.
Seek Support if You Suffer from Gambling Addiction
Signs of gambling addiction can show in many aspects of your life. The first step towards establishing healthier playing habits is acknowledging your problem. You shouldn’t feel ashamed as hundreds of thousands of people share your same addiction, and many of them managed to resolve it by contacting representatives of responsible gaming in India.
Beware if you start feeling like gambling is your only exit. When everything becomes too overwhelming and even your personal and professional relationships are challenging, your gaming habits may have gone too far. Debts, trouble sleeping and lying to family and friends about how much time or money you spend on gambling are other proofs that you should refer to professional support immediately.
Indian Responsible Gambling Organisations & Regulators
Currently, the Indian government is revising the Information Technology Act 2000. If the amendment comes into force, the states where gaming is legal will establish self-regulatory bodies and responsible gambling organisations. In the meantime, we introduce you to the most important international safer gambling institutions. Each of them provides tools, support, and detailed information on the topic.
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware’s mission is to promote awareness among players and stimulate them to make more informed choices. The organisation guides gamblers at risk by educating them on managing their money and providing emotional support and a handful of tools to prevent and cure addiction. You will notice BeGambleAware’s logo on multiple online casinos and betting platforms in India, as there are many offshore operators in the state.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | BeGambleAware |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | 5th Floor, Lincoln House, 296-302 High Holborn WC1V 7JH |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +44 808 8020 133 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | info@gambleaware.org |
| 💻 Website | www.begambleaware.org |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Promotion of safer gambling and preventing gambling harm |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
BeGambleAware supports responsible online gambling in India by offering self-exclusion programmes to players. The organisation also collaborates with social media and allows you to limit gambling ads you see on Facebook, Twitter, and Google. On BeGambleAware’s platform, you can use the provided links to download gambling-blocking software or get help in planning your budget and managing your spending.
GamCare
GamCare offers online, face-to-face, and phone support to gamblers. It operates a 24/7 helpline and provides forums and chatrooms open to all players needing help. Indeed, GamCare is not only one of the most popular promoters of responsible gambling in India but all over the world. The representatives are competent and well-trained to confront the challenges you may be experiencing with gambling.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | GamCare |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | 91-94 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8QP, UK |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | + 44 20 7801 7000 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | digital@gamcare.org.uk |
| 💻 Website | www.gamcare.org.uk |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Reduce gambling harm, provide helpful tools and treatment |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
If you or other Indian players need support, you can rely on GamCare to find the right treatment. The organisation’s representatives will schedule a confidential conversation or meeting with other gamblers with the same problems, whatever would suit your needs. On the website of GamCare, you can fill out an online form and register for their responsible gambling programmes. There are specific treatments designed for young people as well.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) was founded in 1957 in Los Angeles, California. Today, it operates internationally and is one of the most effective advocates of responsible gaming in India. The organisation is popular for their 20 Questions guide to determine if you are a compulsive gambler. GA also provides detailed information to the families of problem gamblers so they can show full support.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gamblers Anonymous |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Multiple locations |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +91 8826904945 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | isomain@gamblersanonymous.org |
| 💻 Website | www.gamblersanonymous.org |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Helps players fight compulsive gambling |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
GA’s approach is different because they organise multiple types of meetings. Some of them are closed and are exclusively for compulsive gamblers or people who think they have problems with gambling. Other types of sessions include people who have been affected by gambling, such as families and friends. On the web page of Gamblers Anonymous, you can find the locations in India under the section “International Meetings”.
Gambling Therapy
Like other organisations supporting responsible online gambling in India, Gambling Therapy has a long history in the sector. It is powered by the Gordon Moody charity, which was founded in 1971. Gambling Therapy’s professionals are multilingual, which means Indians can get help in their native language. You can frequent live support groups or online forums, while a dedicated app is also available to download from Google Play and the App Store.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gambling Therapy |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Unit 3, 1 Castle Court, Castlegate Way Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4RD |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +44 1384 241292 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | support@gamblingtherapy.org |
| 💻 Website | www.gamblingtherapy.org |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Offering recovery programmes to gamblers with addiction |
| 👩👦 Support Group: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
Gambling Therapy offers a global network, which makes it easy for Indian players to benefit from its services and therapies. Text-based support is available 24/7, and you can choose from 250 languages. Thanks to the platform of Gambling Therapy, you can speak to an experienced advisor. The institution guarantees that your issue will be treated without judgement and confidentially.
GamStop
GamStop’s self-exclusion programmes are free and will help you stay away from gambling with the help of multiple tools. The duration of the scheme is from six months to up to five years. GamStop has a wide network that provides emotional support, debt support, and family support. The organisation also partners with GamCare and the GamBan gambling blocking software.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | GamStop |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | 3 Greengate, Cardale Park, Harrogate HG3 1GY, UK |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +44 800 138 6518 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | helpdesk@gamstop.co.uk |
| 💻 Website | www.gamstop.co.uk |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Prevention from using gambling websites and apps |
| 👩👦 Support Group: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The first step that GamStop suggests is to unsubscribe yourself from gambling advertisements. A good practice is to unfollow the social media accounts of the gaming sites you usually visit and then deinstall any gambling or betting apps on your mobile device. Asking your bank to block your transactions to gambling sites is also recommended. After you sign up for the GamStop self-exclusion programme, you will receive an email with what to do next.
Risks of Excessive Gambling in India
Gambling addiction is no joke and should be taken seriously. If you don’t resolve the problem in time, there is a serious risk that your personal and professional life will suffer. Of course, it is not only about financial issues but also about relationships with loved ones whose trust you can easily lose.
Platforms providing players with the tools to fight and prevent potential gambling harm is a major part of responsible gaming in India. Playing at unlicensed casino sites is equally dangerous, even if you don’t have a gambling addiction. That could lead to losses as some operators don’t provide fair play and secure payment methods.
What risks do Indian players face when not gambling responsibly?
- Developing a gambling addiction
- Struggling with money management
- Accumulating serious debt
- Becoming distant from family and friends
- Feeling anxious and depressed
- Losing the trust of people
Unfortunately, the Indian gambling market doesn’t have a local regulatory network yet. With the upcoming amendments in the Technology Act 2000, that may change, and players may enjoy a safer gaming market with licensed operators. Currently, even the best online casinos in India operate from overseas. For this reason, you should pay extra attention to whether and where the operator you choose is licensed.
To avoid unpleasant situations, we remind you to stick to responsible gambling practices, such as setting a budget and not trying to win back your losses. If you notice a change in your behaviour towards your family and friends or you start being dishonest about your gambling spending, you should address any of the above-mentioned organisations for support.
Indian Players Whom Gambling May Not Be Suitable For
Players sometimes learn it late, but gambling hides serious risks if there is no self-control. Something that started as entertainment can quickly become an addiction and bring negative outcomes in one’s life. That is why we pay special attention to the topic and remind you that certain groups of Indian players shouldn’t bet. If you recognise yourself as one of the below-mentioned groups, we strongly advise you to seek support.
- Indian players who show signs of compulsive gambling
- Indian players who can easily get obsessed with playing
- India’s residents in financial troubles
- People below the legal gambling age
- People that suffered gambling addictions in the past
- Indians with potential intellectual or cognitive disabilities
Indian Gambling Sites Without Responsible Behaviour to Avoid
Before registering at any online casino, remember to check for a responsible gambling certificate from India or another country’s organisation promoting safer gambling. That is a mandatory check you must execute to guarantee your online safety. Furthermore, operators that support responsible gaming in IN observe each player’s activity and can interfere if signs of problem gambling occur. In the meantime, check what types of gaming sites to avoid:
- Unlicensed online casinos and betting platforms
- Operators that don’t feature self-exclusion programmes
- Betting sites that don’t partner with responsible gambling institutions
- Platforms that haven’t completed payout checks by external auditors
- Casino websites that don’t comply with SSL protocols
- Operators that have a record of supporting irresponsible gambling behaviour
- Casino platforms that advertise players to gamble excessively
To check if the chosen operator complies with the regulations for responsible online gambling in IN, scroll down to the bottom of its home page. That’s where you can usually find the logos of safer gambling organisations and useful links leading to self-exclusion programmes or guides on the topic. Check if the operator also offers you to set a spending limit and time management tools.
Frequently Asked Questions from Indian Gamblers
After completing the overview of the most important information on organisations and responsible gambling tools in India, it’s time to move forward and answer your questions. The following FAQ section will provide more details on practising safer gaming in IN and what to consider before signing up for any online casino or betting platform.