Responsible Gaming for Indian Players
In India, sports betting — especially on cricket, football, and kabaddi — has gained massive popularity. But behind the excitement lies a reality many overlook: gambling is not a shortcut to wealth. Like long-term investing, betting involves risk, patience, and emotional discipline. For most, winnings are rare, slow, and small — and luck often overpowers logic.
Knowing Where You Stand: The Control Test
Millions of Indians place bets casually during the IPL or international matches. Most of them gamble within their means, treating it as entertainment. But some gradually lose control.
Ask yourself:
- Are you betting more than you originally planned?
- Do you try to chase your losses?
- Is gambling interfering with your time, relationships, or finances?
- Do you feel anxious or frustrated when not betting?
- Have you lied about how much time or money you spend on betting?
These are signs that your hobby may be becoming harmful.
Recognising the Warning Signs Early
Problem gambling can creep in unnoticed. The signs may start small but grow over time:
- Gambling even when you intend to stop
- Constantly thinking about your next bet
- Skipping work, school, or family obligations
- Arguing with loved ones over money
- Borrowing to cover losses or fund new bets
- Feeling guilt, regret, or depression after betting
Recognising these symptoms early allows you to take control before things spiral.
Self-Assessment: Can You Prove You’re in Control?
Still unsure if gambling is a problem? Try the “Prove-It” test:
- Write down how much you’ve bet, lost, and won over the past 30 days.
- Add how much time you’ve spent on gambling apps or websites.
- Compare these numbers with your monthly income and responsibilities.
- Share the information with a trusted friend or family member.
If you’re unwilling to share or feel the need to defend your actions, it’s likely time to reconsider your gambling habits.
Getting Help in India: You're Not Alone
Admitting that gambling is becoming a problem isn’t weakness — it’s courage. Thankfully, India has several mental health and addiction support services that offer confidential, non-judgemental assistance.
Tele-MANAS – India’s Government Mental Health Line
Tele-MANAS is India’s free, 24×7 government mental health helpline providing multilingual counselling, crisis support, and professional referrals. Launched on October 10, 2022, it bridges mental health service gaps across the country.
- Phone: 14416 / 1-800-891-4416
- Email: telemanasasr@gmail.com
- Webpage: https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in
1Life India
1Life India is a mental health and suicide prevention helpline offering free, confidential emotional support. Operated by trained professionals, it serves people in distress through phone, chat, email, and video counselling. Multilingual assistance is available, aiming to promote mental well-being across India.
- Phone: 78930 78930
- Email: support@1life.org.in / onelifehelpline@hotmail.com
- Webpage: https://1life.org.in
Hope Trust India
Hope Trust India is a Hyderabad-based mental health and rehabilitation center offering professional care for addiction, anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being. Since 2002, it has provided both in-person and online therapy through trained psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors in a confidential, supportive environment.
- Phone: +91-78930 03070
- Email: info@hopetrustindia.com
- Webpage: https://hopetrustindia.com
Gamblers Anonymous (Global)
Gambling Therapy is a UK-based global online support service helping individuals and families affected by problem gambling. Run by the Gordon Moody charity, it offers free, confidential assistance through live chat, multilingual forums, and self-help resources. Accessible from anywhere in the world, it provides a safe space for emotional support and recovery guidance.
Webpage: https://gamblingtherapy.org
Gordon Moody
Gamblers Anonymous is a global fellowship dedicated to helping individuals overcome compulsive gambling through peer support and shared experiences. Rooted in the 12-step recovery model, it offers a confidential, non-judgmental space where members support each other in achieving and maintaining abstinence from gambling. Meetings are free, self-supporting, and open to anyone with a desire to stop gambling.
- Phone: +91-90088 25500
- Email: gahyderabad@gmail.com
- Webpage: https://gamblersanonymous.org
Pause to Reset: Use Self-Exclusion Tools
If you feel that betting is getting out of hand, use the tools available to help you pause and reset:
- Temporarily deactivate your betting account
- Set strict daily or weekly betting limits
- Request permanent account closure
- Disable notifications and remove betting apps during sports seasons
Many international and Indian-facing betting platforms support self-exclusion programs. These tools are designed to protect you — use them early and proactively.
Conclusion: Win by Walking Away When Needed
Gambling can be enjoyable when done with self-control, clarity, and purpose. But when the balance shifts and betting begins to dominate your thoughts, finances, or relationships, it’s time to act.
Responsible gaming isn’t about quitting forever — it’s about knowing your limits, and respecting them.
If you’re in control, you win. And if you’re not, it’s never too late to take back control — with help, honesty, and support.