Responsible Gambling
What starts off as an innocent pastime can occasionally become problematic. But luckily, there are plenty of tools and resources out there to help you play responsibly, from Day One.
How To Play Responsibly
While some people may be at a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction, such as those who have previously struggled with another addiction, anyone can be affected.
We want you to enjoy betting on your favourite cricket leagues and sports, so here is a breakdown of what you can do to play safely.
Set Yourself A Budget
Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend each month and stick to it. If you find it difficult to plan a month ahead, you can set a weekly budget instead.
Don’t forget that while you could win some money, you should still be prepared to lose what you deposit, so make sure that you can afford to lose what you’ve set aside in your gaming budget.
Only Play With Licensed Betting Sites
We won’t recommend any bookmaker that isn’t licensed. Most bookmakers will ask you to set a deposit limit when you’ve registered. They also have a duty of care towards their players and are regularly audited to ensure compliance with responsible gambling tools. So, you’ll typically find Responsible Gaming information on the bookies’ websites, as well as links to helplines.
Don’t Play Under the Influence
Do not bet when you are under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. In such a state, it can be harder to make rational decisions, increasing the risk that you might make deposits or bets that you otherwise would not make.
You should also avoid playing when you are feeling down. It’s normal to get excited about a win, but there is a risk that your brain will start to associate feeling good with gambling, which can make you want to play more often and take risks.
What Are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?
The early signs of a gambling problem are subtle and can be difficult to see. That's why it’s important to keep an eye on your habits and take regular self-assessments. All licenced casinos are required by gaming regulations to offer their players a self-test, which you can take directly on the bookmakers’ websites.
Here are five signs that you might be at risk of developing a gambling addiction or already have a gambling problem:
- You Play for Increasingly Larger Amounts
If you feel that you need to play for larger amounts of money each time, or chase your losses, it could be an early sign of a gambling problem.
Just like with any other addiction, it takes a larger and larger "dose" to get the same effect.
- You Lie About Your Gambling
When someone asks you about your gambling, do you tell the truth, or do you try to downplay your gambling? Lying about how often you play or how much you wager is a serious sign that you might be playing too much.
If you become irritated when someone asks about your gambling, that is also a sign.
- You Often Think About Betting
Thinking about betting occasionally is, of course, not a problem. But if you find that gambling is starting to take up a significant part of your thoughts, and you think you would rather gamble than do something else, it could be a sign that you have a problem with your gambling.
- You Can’t Enjoy Your Team Games
Supporting your home team should be fun, but if your hobby has become an obsession, your gambling and your need to place larger, more frequent and often more risky bets will stop you being able to just watch and enjoy the game, whatever the outcome.
- Your Gambling Affects Your Relationships or Daily Life
Have you stopped doing things you used to enjoy, like a hobby, to have more time to play? Do you choose to gamble instead of spending time with family and friends? This is a sign that you no longer have control over your gambling.
Get Help with Gambling Addiction
If you feel that you have a problem with your gambling, there is help available. There are several organizations and support services you can turn to.
| Gamblers Anonymous India | You can join an anonymous group who share their experiences of gambling problems and help others to recover. https://gaindia.in/ |
| GambleAware | GambleAware is the leading independent charity in the UK dedicated towards preventing gambling harm. Working closely with the NHS, clinicians and governments, you can access advice, tools and support as well as free, confidential treatment. https://www.gambleaware.org |
Reach Out To Your Local Healthcare Centre
You can contact your healthcare centre to get further help with your gambling addiction. A doctor can then refer you to a therapist or psychologist.
By following these tips and being aware of the signs of gambling addiction, you can keep your gambling fun and under control. Remember, help is available if you need it.
List of Helplines
| GA India | https://gaindia.in/ |
| FindaHelpline | https://findahelpline.com/countries/in/topics/gambling |
| Gambling Therapy | https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/ |
| GamTalk | https://www.gamtalk.org/ |
| BetBlocker | https://betblocker.org/ |
| Hope Trust India | https://hopetrustindia.com/ |
Our Top Tips
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Don’t chase losses
- Don’t play under the influence
- Don’t gamble to try to resolve any personal or financial problems
- Know the signs you may have an addiction
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