Vortex Responsible Gaming in India

Safe gambling starts with self-awareness and clear boundaries. These strategies help you maintain control over your gaming activity:

• Set a strict budget before you start playing and never exceed it
• Decide on time limits for each gaming session and stick to them
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or depositing more money
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
• Avoid playing when you feel stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol
• Take regular breaks during gaming sessions to maintain perspective
• Keep track of how much time and money you spend on gambling
• Balance gambling with other hobbies and social activities
• Never borrow money to gamble or use funds meant for essential expenses
• Use deposit limits, loss limits, and session reminders offered by casinos

Recognising problem gambling early makes intervention more effective. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or others:

• Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
• Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same excitement
• Becoming restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you have lost
• Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems or conflicts related to gambling
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about your gambling but continuing anyway
• Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling

Online casino registration and real-money gaming are strictly restricted to players who have reached the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction. Licensed casinos verify age during the registration process to prevent underage gambling. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and consider parental control software to restrict access to gambling sites. Underage gambling can lead to serious developmental and financial problems that affect young people throughout their lives.

Most licensed online casinos provide self-exclusion tools that allow you to voluntarily block your account for a specified period. During this time, you cannot access your account or place bets, giving you space to address gambling concerns. Self-exclusion periods typically range from several months to permanent closure. You can request self-exclusion by contacting customer support directly. Many jurisdictions also maintain centralised self-exclusion registers that block access across multiple operators. Consider this option if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic or affecting your daily life.

Professional support is available if you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction. These organisations provide confidential assistance:

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Provides addiction treatment services including gambling disorder counselling and therapy programmes
• Indian Psychiatric Society – Offers referrals to mental health professionals specialising in behavioural addictions
• Alcoholics Anonymous India – Many local chapters address gambling addiction alongside substance abuse issues
• Gamblers Anonymous – International fellowship with groups meeting in major Indian cities to support recovery
• iCall – Psychosocial helpline (022-25521111) offering free counselling for mental health concerns including gambling problems
• Private addiction treatment centres – Numerous facilities across metro cities provide inpatient and outpatient programmes for gambling disorder

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible with the right support.