Responsible Gaming

Gambling always carries a risk of financial loss, even when the game feels safe and familiar. Every bet is uncertain, and outcomes can never be guaranteed.

To protect your financial and emotional wellbeing, keep these principles in mind:

• Treat online betting as paid entertainment, not as a way to recover losses or solve money problems.
• Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start playing and respect that limit.
• Set deposit, loss, wager, and session limits on your account to keep your play under control.
• Keep money for rent, food, bills, savings, and family separate from gambling funds.
• Avoid gambling when you feel stressed, angry, lonely, or under the influence of alcohol or any substance.
• Take frequent breaks so that you do not lose track of time spent on gaming.
• Review your transaction history to learn how much you are betting and adjust limits if needed.
• Do not use borrowed money or credit for gambling, as this greatly increases financial risk.

Stake provides responsible gaming tools to help you set limits, monitor your play, and follow these principles. Your role is to use these tools honestly and keep your focus on safe and controlled entertainment.

Betting addiction can develop gradually and may be difficult to notice at first. Warning signs usually relate to loss of control, financial pressure, and changes in mood or behaviour. Gambling addiction is a serious condition that needs attention and support.

Common indicators that you or someone close to you may have a gambling problem include:

• Feeling unable to stop gambling even after deciding to reduce or quit.
• Spending more money or time gambling than planned on a regular basis.
• Chasing losses by placing more bets in an attempt to win back lost money.
• Hiding betting activity, bank statements, or account history from family or friends.
• Using money meant for household expenses, education, or other essentials for gambling.
• Borrowing, selling belongings, or taking loans to continue gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or low when not gambling or when trying to stop.
• Ignoring work, studies, family responsibilities, or social activities due to betting.
• Thinking about gambling most of the time, including planning the next session or how to get money for it.
• Continuing to gamble despite serious financial, relationship, or health problems caused by betting.

If you recognise several of these signs in your own behaviour, it is important to act early and seek help. Professional support and responsible gaming tools can make recovery more manageable.

Betting addiction can be managed, and many players regain control over their gambling habits. Addressing the problem early reduces harm to your finances, mental health, and personal life.

Useful steps and tips to deal with or prevent gambling addiction include:

• Be honest about your gambling behaviour and accept that support may be needed.
• Set strict deposit, loss, and session limits in your account and lower them if you feel at risk.
• Use cooling-off periods or temporary breaks from your account to create distance from betting.
• Request self-exclusion for a longer period if you find that other limits are not enough to control your play.
• Remove saved payment methods and reduce the amount of money available in accounts linked to gambling.
• Avoid gambling apps, betting discussions, and social media or streams that trigger the urge to play.
• Share your situation with someone you trust so you do not have to manage it alone.
• Contact professional counsellors or support groups in India that specialise in gambling addiction.
• Plan alternative activities for your free time, such as exercise, hobbies, or time with family and friends.
• Monitor your mood and seek mental health support if you feel anxiety, depression, or high stress related to gambling.

Stake offers responsible gaming tools, but only you can decide to use them early and consistently. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and an important step towards safe gaming.

Help for gambling addiction in India is available through professional counsellors, helplines, and online support services. Support is confidential, and many services operate at low or no cost.

External organisations and resources that can provide help include:

• National Mental Health Helpline, KIRAN (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare): 1800-599-0019, 24×7 support, mental health guidance and referral services.
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS): https://nimhans.ac.in, information and clinical services for addiction and mental health.
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Behavioural Addictions Clinics (Delhi and other centres): https://www.aiims.edu, specialised care for behavioural addictions including gambling.
• Fortis National Helpline for Mental Health: +91-8376804102, https://www.fortishealthcare.com, counselling and referral for addiction and emotional distress.
• Your local state mental health authority or government hospital psychiatry department, which may offer de-addiction and counselling services.
• Trusted private psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or counsellers who treat behavioural and gambling addiction.

These services can provide assessments, treatment plans, and ongoing support. Combining professional help with responsible gaming tools on Stake can support long-term control over gambling.

If you feel that your gambling is getting difficult to control, you can contact Stake customer support for assistance. The team can guide you on responsible gaming tools, limits, and account protection options relevant for players in India.

You can reach Stake support through the following channels:

• In-platform live chat support, available from your account interface.
• Email support through the official help address listed in the help centre.
• Online help centre and FAQ section, where you can learn how to set limits and manage your account.

Support staff can provide information on self-exclusion, account restrictions, and safe play tips. You may also be encouraged to contact external counselling or helpline services in India for further help.