Play Safely and Stay in Control

Gambling involves financial risk by its very nature. No outcome is ever guaranteed, and losses are a part of the experience every player must be prepared for.

For betting to remain an enjoyable activity, it must always stay within boundaries you have set for yourself. The moment it begins to affect your finances, relationships, or mental health, it has moved beyond entertainment.

Parimatch encourages all players in India to approach the platform with a clear mindset and a firm set of personal limits. Responsible play is not about restricting your enjoyment. It is about protecting it.

Key Principles to Follow

• Treat gambling as entertainment, not a source of income.
• Only use funds you can afford to lose.
• Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
• Take regular breaks to keep your perspective clear.
• Never chase losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Keep your gambling time separate from work, family, and social commitments.
• Use the responsible gaming tools available on the platform to maintain control.
• Stay informed about the risks and know your limits at all times.

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it is not always easy to identify early on. If you notice any of the following patterns in your own behaviour, it is important to take them seriously and seek support without delay.

Common Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

• Spending more money on gambling than you originally planned or can afford.
• Feeling a persistent urge to gamble even when you intend to stop.
• Lying to family members or friends about how much you are gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund your betting.
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you are not gambling.
• Continuing to play to recover money you have already lost.
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal problems.
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling on your own.
• Experiencing guilt or shame after gambling sessions, yet continuing regardless.

These signs indicate a serious condition that requires prompt attention. Professional help is available, and seeking it early leads to better outcomes.

If you recognise problematic patterns in your gambling habits, there are concrete steps you can take to regain control. Early action is always more effective than waiting for the situation to worsen.

Start by being honest with yourself about the extent of the issue. Speak with a trusted person in your life, and consider reaching out to a qualified professional. Parimatch also provides built-in tools to help you take immediate, practical action on your account.

Recommended Preventive Measures

• Set deposit limits on your account to control how much you can add over a given period.
• Use session time limits to cap how long you spend on the platform in a single sitting.
• Activate loss limits to prevent your losses from exceeding a set threshold.
• Use the self-exclusion option to temporarily or permanently restrict access to your account.
• Take advantage of cooling-off periods if you need a short break from betting.
• Remove saved payment details from your account to reduce the ease of impulsive deposits.
• Block gambling-related websites using third-party filtering software.
• Avoid gambling when you are under emotional stress, tired, or have consumed alcohol.
• Talk to a counsellor or therapist who has experience with behavioural addiction.
• Reach out to Parimatch support at any time to activate account restrictions on your behalf.

Several credible organisations in India provide specialised support for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. The resources below can connect you with trained counsellors, treatment programmes, and community support groups.

Support Organisations and Resources

• iCall (iCall Psychosocial Helpline): A professional counselling service offered by TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences). Contact: +91-9152987821. Website: icallhelpline.org
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for mental health and addiction support across India. Contact: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330 (toll-free). Website: vandrevalafoundation.com
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A premier government institution in Bengaluru providing treatment for behavioural addiction. Website: nimhans.ac.in
• Gamblers Anonymous India: A peer support fellowship for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling. Website: gamblersanonymous.org
• Paras Hospitals Addiction Treatment: Offers dedicated addiction and behavioural health services across multiple cities in India. Website: parashospitals.com
• Fortis Healthcare Mental Health Helpline: Provides access to psychiatric and addiction treatment services in India. Contact: +91-8376804102. Website: fortishealthcare.com

If you are experiencing difficulties related to your gambling habits, the Parimatch support team is available to assist you at any time. You can request account restrictions, self-exclusion, or simply ask for guidance on the tools available to you.

Available Contact Methods in India

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Parimatch website and mobile app for immediate assistance.
• Email Support: Send your query or request to the official Parimatch support email address listed on the platform.
• Help Centre: Access the dedicated FAQ and responsible gaming section on the Parimatch website for self-service guidance.
• Telephone Support: Check the Contact Us page on the platform for the current helpline number available to players in India.