1. Age requirement
Use gaming apps only if you meet the legal age and eligibility rules in your location. Age rules shown by an app do not replace applicable law.
2. Set a budget
Choose a fixed entertainment amount before opening the app. Keep rent, food, education, health, savings and family commitments completely separate.
3. Set a time limit
Decide when the session will end and use a device timer. A break is useful even when the session appears to be going well.
4. Do not chase losses
Increasing stakes or time to recover a loss can deepen the harm. A previous result does not make the next random outcome more favourable.
5. Do not borrow money
Do not use loans, credit, advances or money needed for daily life. If play depends on borrowing, stop and seek help.
6. Take regular breaks
Step away from the screen, review how long you have played and notice changes in mood, concentration or spending.
7. Warning signs
- You cannot stop at the time or budget you set.
- You keep increasing the amount after a loss.
- You hide play or spending from people close to you.
- You borrow money or use essential funds.
- Gaming affects sleep, work, study or relationships.
- You believe more play is the only way to recover losses.
8. Self-exclusion and account controls
Look under Account, Limits, Safety, Responsible Gaming or Help for deposit limits, time reminders, cool-off periods, self-exclusion and account closure. Ask the exact app publisher if these controls are not visible.
9. Protect minors
Use device locks, separate user profiles and payment authentication. Do not leave OTPs, saved cards, UPI approval or logged-in gaming accounts available to children.
10. Local laws
Rules can vary by state and can change. Confirm whether the app and any real-money features are permitted where you are physically located.
11. Support resources
If gaming is causing harm, speak to someone you trust and consider a qualified mental-health professional or a reputable local problem-gambling support service. In an immediate safety or financial crisis, contact the appropriate local emergency or crisis service.
Make the safe choice before the next round
Leave the app, review your limits and use account controls if play is no longer comfortable or voluntary.