Responsible Gaming: Play Safely or Not at All
Real-money games are entertainment with a real chance of losing, never a source of income. This page shows how to set limits, spot problems early and find free help in India.
Adults 18+ only
Real-money gaming apps, including the one covered on this site, are only for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, do not download, register or deposit. Operators may ask for KYC documents, and an underage account can be closed with its balance.
Check the law where you live
Real-money online gaming is legally restricted in India. The central Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits offering, operating, facilitating and advertising online money games, and several states also have their own bans on online gambling or betting.
You are responsible for checking the law that applies where you live before you download any app or make a deposit. This site does not encourage anyone to play where it is not permitted.
Set time and money limits before you play
Decide your limits before you open the app, because decisions made mid-session are rarely good ones. These habits help keep gaming as entertainment.
- Set a budget you can afford to lose. Use money left after rent, bills, food and savings, never borrowed money or funds meant for family needs.
- Use a session timer. Set an alarm on your phone before you start and stop when it rings, whatever the result.
- Never chase losses. Increasing your stakes to win back money is how a small loss becomes a serious one.
- Do not treat bonuses as income. Bonus money carries wagering rules and is not cash you have earned.
- Take regular breaks. Step away, eat and talk to someone. Time passes quickly in fast games such as Crash or slots.
- Avoid playing when stressed, upset or after alcohol. Your judgement of risk is weaker in these moments.
Keep a simple note of every deposit and withdrawal. Seeing the real total each month is often the clearest reality check.
Warning signs of a gaming problem
If any of these sound familiar, it is time to pause and talk to someone.
- You spend more money or time than you planned, again and again.
- You borrow money, use credit or sell things to keep playing.
- You hide your gaming or your losses from family or friends.
- You feel restless, anxious or irritable when you are not playing.
- You keep playing to win back what you have lost.
- Work, studies, sleep or relationships are suffering.
- You have tried to cut down and could not.
How to take a break or self-exclude
The most effective break removes easy access to both the app and your money.
Uninstall the app
Delete the app and the downloaded APK file, and switch off Install unknown apps for your browser so reinstalling takes deliberate effort.
Block or limit payments
Use your bank app or UPI app settings to lower daily UPI limits, or pause UPI on the linked account where that option exists. Your bank's customer care can also advise on blocking gaming-related transactions.
Ask for your account to be closed
Contact the customer service inside the app and ask them to close or block your account. Withdraw any remaining balance first, and keep screenshots of the request.
Tell someone you trust
Share your decision with a family member or friend. Having someone to check in with makes it much easier to stick to a break.
Free help in India
You do not have to handle this alone. These services are free to contact, and you do not need to be in crisis to call.
| Service | How to contact | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Tele-MANAS (national mental health helpline) | 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 | Free, 24x7 support for stress, anxiety and addiction-related concerns |
| iCall psychosocial helpline (TISS) | 9152987821 | Counselling with trained professionals |
| Vandrevala Foundation helpline | +91 9999 666 555 | Mental health support and crisis help |
| National Cyber Crime Helpline | 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in | Reporting fraud, scams and fake gaming or payment links |
If you have lost money to a fake app, fake agent or someone asking for your UPI PIN, report it on 1930 as quickly as possible.
Advice for parents
Use device controls to keep children away from real-money apps. Google Family Link lets you approve downloads and set screen time, but APK files install outside the Play Store, so also make sure Install unknown apps stays off for every browser and file manager on your child's phone.
Lock the phone with a PIN your child does not know, never save your UPI PIN or card details on a shared device, and check bank statements for small unfamiliar payments.
If you have questions about anything on this page, you can reach our team on our contact page.
FAQ
Responsible Gaming FAQ
Can I get my money back if I lose?
No. Money lost in real-money games is gone, and trying to win it back usually leads to bigger losses. Only play with an amount you have already accepted losing, and stop for the day once that amount is used up.
Is a bonus the same as free money?
No. Bonus money usually comes with a wagering requirement that must be met before it can be withdrawn, and the deposit screen notes this. Treat any bonus as extra play time, not income, and read the offer's rules screen first.
How do I stop myself from depositing?
Uninstall the app, lower or switch off UPI limits in your bank or UPI app where that option exists, and ask the in-app customer service to close your account. Telling a trusted person also makes it harder to go back.
Who can I talk to for free in India?
Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, a free national mental health helpline available 24x7. You can also call the iCall helpline by TISS on 9152987821 or the Vandrevala Foundation helpline on +91 9999 666 555.