Responsible Gaming

Every form of gambling carries a risk of financial loss. Players should treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a source of income or a way to recover financial difficulties.

At Stake, responsible play is supported through a range of practical tools that allow users to set boundaries on their activity. These tools help ensure the experience remains enjoyable without placing financial or emotional well-being at risk.

Some key principles to keep in mind:

• Set a budget before playing and stick to it.
• Accept that losses are part of the experience.
• Avoid chasing losses with larger bets.
• Take regular breaks to maintain perspective.
• Gambling should never interfere with personal responsibilities or relationships.

Betting addiction can develop gradually and may be difficult to identify in its early stages. Being aware of the warning signs is a critical first step toward seeking timely help.

The following indicators may suggest the presence of a gambling problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal problems.
• Lying to family members or friends about the extent of gambling activity.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite repeated financial losses.
• Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Making repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling.
• Experiencing persistent thoughts about gambling throughout the day.
• Placing increasingly larger bets to sustain the same level of excitement.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can have lasting consequences on a person’s financial stability, mental health, and personal relationships. If several of these signs are present, professional attention is strongly advised.

Taking action early can significantly reduce the impact of problem gambling. There are concrete steps available to help users regain control of their activity.

The following recommendations are designed to support healthier gambling habits:

• Use the deposit limit tools available on the platform to restrict how much can be wagered within a set period.
• Activate a cooling-off period to pause gambling activity temporarily.
• Request a self-exclusion to block access to the account for an extended duration.
• Set session time limits to prevent extended periods of uninterrupted play.
• Avoid gambling when under emotional stress, tired, or under the influence of substances.
• Speak openly with a trusted person about any concerns related to gambling behaviour.
• Contact a professional counsellor or addiction support service for personalised guidance.
• Avoid returning to gambling immediately after a significant loss.
• Keep a record of gambling activity to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Review your account history regularly to stay informed about spending patterns.

These tools and practices are available to all registered users on the platform and can be accessed through account settings at any time.

Several organisations provide confidential support and professional assistance to individuals affected by gambling-related issues. Reaching out to these services is a positive and encouraged step.

The following resources are available to users in India:

• iCall (TISS) – A psychological counselling service provided by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Accessible at icallhelpline.org
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – Offers 24/7 mental health support across India. Contact: 1860-2662-345. Accessible at vandrevalafoundation.com
• Gamblers Anonymous India – A peer support network for individuals dealing with compulsive gambling. Accessible at gamblersanonymous.org
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) – Provides specialist mental health and addiction treatment services. Located in Bengaluru. Accessible at nimhans.ac.in
• Parivarthan Counselling Helpline – Provides counselling support in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. Contact: +91-7676602602. Accessible at parivarthan.org

These organisations operate independently of Stake and offer confidential, non-judgmental support to anyone seeking help.

Users who need guidance on responsible gaming tools or have concerns about their gambling behaviour can reach out to the Stake support team at any time. The team is trained to assist with account restrictions, self-exclusion requests, and general responsible gaming queries.

Available contact methods include:

• Live Chat – Available directly on the Stake website for immediate assistance.
• Email Support – Users can submit a support request through the official Stake help centre.
• Help Centre – A dedicated section within the platform covering responsible gaming tools, account controls, and related policies.