Responsible Gambling: Prevention and Help for Gambling Addiction

What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is a serious issue that is often overlooked in the fast-paced digital landscape of India. With the ease of UPI payments and 24/7 mobile access, it is easier than ever to place a bet. However, for some, what starts as a fun pastime can turn into a financial and emotional burden. At Citeulike, we believe that an informed player is a safe player. This page is designed to help you recognize the warning signs and find the support you need.

Commonly referred to as "Problem Gambling," this is a clinical condition where an individual cannot control the impulse to gamble, even when it leads to negative consequences. It is not a sign of "weakness"—it is a psychological disorder that affects the brain’s reward system, much like substance abuse.

What to Do if Gambling Becomes a Problem?

If you feel you are losing control, don't wait for the situation to worsen. Take these steps immediately:

1. Pause Your Play: Take a "Time-Out" for at least 24–48 hours.
2. Set Hard Limits: Use the "Deposit Limit" tools provided by the casino to cap your spending in ₹ (INR).
3. Talk to Someone: Share your concerns with a trusted friend or family member. Silence only feeds the addiction.
4. Seek Professional Help: Contact one of the organizations listed below for confidential advice.

Signs and Symptoms (DSM-5 Criteria)

Psychologists use the following criteria to identify gambling disorders. Do any of these apply to you?

• Increasing Stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to achieve the same excitement.
• Irritability: Feeling restless or annoyed when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Escapism: Gambling to escape life’s problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety.
• Chasing Losses: Returning to gamble another day after losing money, in an attempt to "get even."
• Lying: Deceiving family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling.
• Risking Relationships: Jeopardizing a job, education, or a significant relationship because of gambling.
• Financial Bailouts: Relying on others (loans, family) to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Prevention: Tips for Staying in Control

• Don't View Gambling as an Income: Treat it as a paid form of entertainment, like a movie ticket.
• Set a "Loss Limit": Decide how much ₹ you are willing to lose before you start. Once it’s gone, walk away.
• Monitor Your Time: It’s easy to lose track of hours when playing on your phone. Set an alarm.
• Avoid "Drunk Gambling": Never gamble while under the influence of alcohol or if you are feeling highly emotional.

Help and Resources for Indian Players

While India does not have a national gambling-specific government helpline, these organizations provide excellent support for Indian residents:

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA) India: A fellowship of men and women who share their experience and strength to recover from gambling problems. They have active groups in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.

  • Website: gamblersanonymous.org

• Hope Trust India: A leading private treatment facility in India that specializes in various addictions, including gambling.

  • Website: hopetrustindia.com

• Vandrevala Foundation: Provides a 24/7 mental health helpline for Indians facing any crisis, including addiction.

  • Helpline: +91 9999 666 555

• GamTalk: An online community where you can read others' stories and chat anonymously about gambling issues.