Responsible Gaming

Every bet carries the possibility of financial loss. There are no guaranteed outcomes in gambling, and no strategy eliminates that risk entirely. Responsible gaming is about staying aware of that fact and making informed choices at every step.

Here are the core principles every player should keep in mind:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide in advance how much you are comfortable spending, and do not exceed that amount.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. It is a leisure activity, not a source of income or a way to recover lost funds.
• Use the control tools available to you. Parimatch provides deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options to help you manage your play.
• Keep track of your time. It is easy to lose track of how long a session has lasted. Set time limits for yourself.
• Never chase losses. Trying to win back lost money often leads to greater financial and emotional harm.
• Play with a clear head. Avoid gambling when you are under stress, upset, or influenced by alcohol.
• Balance gambling with other activities. A healthy lifestyle includes a wide range of interests and social connections outside of betting.

These principles support a safer experience and help protect your financial and emotional wellbeing over the long term.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually, and it is not always easy to notice in oneself. Being aware of the warning signs is an important step toward protecting your wellbeing.

Consider the following indicators that a gambling problem may be present:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned, on a regular basis
• Being unable to stop or cut down on betting despite repeated attempts
• Thinking about gambling frequently, even during unrelated daily activities
• Continuing to gamble to recover money that was previously lost
• Neglecting work, studies, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activity
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not able to gamble
• Hiding gambling activity from family members or close friends
• Experiencing mood changes such as guilt, anxiety, or low mood connected to gambling
• Relying on gambling as a way to escape stress, personal problems, or difficult emotions

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can affect your finances, relationships, and mental health. If several of these indicators feel familiar, seeking professional support is a meaningful and constructive step.

Addressing a gambling problem is possible with the right approach and support. Parimatch encourages players to take practical steps to protect themselves and maintain control.

The following recommendations can help prevent addiction from developing and support those already facing difficulties:

• Use self-exclusion tools. You can request a temporary or permanent restriction on your account to pause your gambling activity.
• Set deposit and loss limits. Apply spending caps through your account settings to keep your activity within a safe range.
• Take a cooling-off period. A short break from betting can help restore perspective and reduce compulsive urges.
• Reach out to a trusted person. Speaking openly with a family member or close friend about your concerns can reduce isolation and encourage accountability.
• Seek professional counselling. Therapists and addiction specialists can provide structured, evidence-based support tailored to your situation.
• Block access to gambling sites. Third-party filtering software can help limit your ability to access betting platforms during vulnerable periods.
• Avoid high-risk situations. Identify the circumstances or emotional states that lead you to gamble impulsively, and plan alternative responses.
• Focus on other activities. Engaging with hobbies, physical activity, or social groups can reduce the time and mental space available for gambling.
• Keep a gambling diary. Tracking your sessions, spending, and feelings can reveal patterns and help you make more informed decisions.
• Contact support services. Trained counsellors at dedicated helplines can provide confidential guidance at no cost.

Professional help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Several organisations in India provide free, confidential support for individuals affected by gambling addiction.

• iCall (TISS): A mental health helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Available at icallhelpline.org or by calling 9152987821.
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: Provides 24/7 mental health support in multiple Indian languages. Available at vandrevalafoundation.com or by calling 1860-2662-345.
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences): A government institution offering psychiatric services and addiction treatment programmes. Available at nimhans.ac.in.
• Gamblers Anonymous India: A peer support fellowship for individuals with gambling problems. More information is available at gamblersanonymous.org.
• Snehi India: A voluntary organisation providing emotional support and counselling. Reachable at 044-24640050 or via snehi.org.

These resources are independent of any gaming platform and are dedicated solely to your health and recovery.

If you are concerned about your gambling behaviour, the Parimatch support team is available to assist you. The team can help you activate responsible gaming tools, apply account restrictions, or direct you to appropriate external resources.

You can reach Parimatch support through the following channels:

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Parimatch website and mobile app, 24 hours a day
• Email: Send your query to the official support email address listed on the Parimatch contact page
• Help Centre: Access the self-service section on the website for information on account settings and responsible gaming tools

All communications regarding responsible gaming are handled with full confidentiality and without judgement.