What is Responsible Gaming?

The definition of responsible Gaming is playing the game without having a detrimental impact on one's life. This page will assist and help players who are at risk of the potential negative effects of gaming through a number of means of guidance on responsible gaming and reach counselling via helplines if needed.

The purpose of this page is to always uphold high standards and implement a number of safety measures for a safer user experience.

Risks and Problems of real money Gaming:

When playing real money gaming or participating in fantasy sports – both online and “IRL” – there are certain risks that you have to be aware of. The main one being Gaming addiction.

Problem gamers are known to spend more time than they have on Gaming, lose money they can't afford to lose, or use gaming to "fix" or "forget" problems. It's critical to realise that Gaming addiction, also known as problem Gaming, is an addiction or mental illness, much like other addictions like alcoholism and drug misuse.

What is a Gaming Addiction?

Addiction to Gaming is a disorder, not a money problem. A Gaming addiction is categorised as a mental health disorder, just like addictions to drugs, sex, and other behaviours.

The brain releases the neurotransmitter dopamine when it detects something pleasurable. It is released in the cerebral cortex, also referred to as the "Pleasure centre" of the brain.

As a result, when you pay to play a game or bet, your brain is programmed to release dopamine. A person who abuses drugs or alcohol experiences an imbalanced dopamine release, with little or no dopamine released during other enjoyable activities. In the end, Gaming is the only activity that still makes them happy. Briefly, they become addicted to Gaming.

When a gambler can no longer control their impulse to play regardless of the repercussions of their actions and when they can no longer stop playing even when they are aware that it is harming their life and the lives of those around them, it is considered to be an issue.

The Manifestation of Problem Gaming:

Using Gaming as a reward:

Obtaining a promotion at work Did your preferred cricket team succeed? Are you celebrating your anniversary? A warning sign of a possible Gaming issue is rewarding oneself with Gaming. Even though it may not yet be a "problem," utilising it as a reward might easily turn into one.

Pondering gaming for a while:

It's fine to let your thoughts wander when playing a few games; the issue arises when they start to affect your daily life. There are several indications that Gaming has taken over your life and habits, including scheduling your activities around your Gaming sessions, preferring Gaming over other pursuits, and counting down the minutes until your next Gaming session.

Requiring increased Gaming to experience the same amount of "thrill"

You may want to start looking at your Gaming if you feel that you "need" to make more, bigger, or riskier bets to experience the same "thrill" as before. This is related to the release of dopamine in your brain and functions similarly to substance dependence. It's a sure sign that you're turning into an addict.

Chasing Losses to Get Even:

One of the cardinal laws of Gaming is to never try to make up for lost money because doing so would only lead to negative behaviour. Every gamer must acknowledge that they will occasionally lose, and it is crucial to reset your strategy after a loss. When Gaming, it is technically impossible to make up for or recover losses, and attempting to do so is very risky.

The Self Assessment Check:

Gaming behaviours are never binary; they are always on a range. The Self-Assessment check is an invaluable resource for determining where you fall on the spectrum. The test asks you to rate yourself from 0 to 10 for a number of statements. You will be given advice on the next measures to take to manage your Gaming based on the results.

1. I occasionally pay and play longer than I intended to.
2. I occasionally lose more money while gaming than I mean to.
3. I've occasionally run out of money when Gaming.
4. I occasionally try to recover money I have lost.
5. Occasionally, when I consider my Gaming, I feel awful.
6. I am annoyed by my Gaming at times.

You can stop Gaming on your own:

Consider each day separately:

Every day offers a fresh opportunity. Forget about yesterday, and don't think about tomorrow until it comes. Just concentrate on getting through today.

Attempt new things:

You'll need to excite your brain. Try a novel endeavour. It need not be a major undertaking or a time-consuming hobby; it might be something simple like learning how to make bread or take care of a plant. Make an effort to make it something that will give your brain a chance to practise problem-solving.

Prepare yourself for boredom:

You'll need to make other plans on how to spend the time as you're probably used to filling downtime with Gaming. Since you probably won't feel the adrenaline rushes you're used to, this could initially seem uninteresting.

Look for stress-reduction techniques:

Whatever stress you have previously felt won't go away. Learn effective stress management techniques. Take up gardening, exercise, meditation, or simply talk to someone who will listen without passing judgement. You'll experience the want to gamble more frequently the more worried you are.

Responsible Gaming Methods:

• Deposit Time:
  Restrict the maximum amount of money you can deposit during a period.

• Spending Limit:
  Don’t exceed the amount you planned to spend.

• Loss Limit:
  Set a limit on the amount you can lose.

• Session Limit:
  Restricts the amount of time you can play.

• Wagering Limit:
  Restricts the amount of cash you can use to wager.

• Time Alert:
  A reminder of the duration, total amount, and results of your games.

• Self- Exclusion:
  If requested, close your Gaming account permanently or for a specific period of time.

• Self- Assessment:
  A quick test that resembles a quiz that provides you with an overview of your gaming behaviours.

Therapy:

The majority of specialists advise that you make an appointment with your usual doctor as soon as you suspect a problem. In turn, the doctor may be able to assist you or direct you in the appropriate route.

Going through a doctor is one of the finest options because it makes your issue official and immediately involves individuals you don't know well. This makes it more difficult to later escape the issue.

When It’s Time to Get Help:

Icall : Icall is a telephone and email based counselling service run by School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, that offers free telephone and email-based counseling services, to individuals in emotional and psychological distress, across age, language, gender, sexual orientation and issues, through a team of qualified and trained mental health professionals.

Hope Trust India Hope : Trust is an Indian treatment facility located in Hyderabad, Telangana, focused on psychological wellness. They treat various forms of addiction through a 12-step program, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Yoga, and meditation.

GamCare : GamCare is mainly focused on people in the UK, but their website is available in English and Punjabi, making it optimal for Indians.