Responsible Gaming

Every form of gambling carries an inherent risk of financial loss. No betting strategy or system can guarantee a win, and players should approach gambling with that awareness at all times.

Responsible gambling is about keeping the activity within personal limits. Stake provides a set of practical controls that allow players to manage their time, spending, and overall betting behaviour.

Key principles to follow:

• Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a source of income;
• Only bet amounts that can be afforded to lose;
• Set a budget before starting any session and stick to it;
• Take regular breaks to maintain a clear perspective;
• Avoid chasing losses, as this often leads to larger financial setbacks;
• Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or when emotionally distressed;
• Keep track of time spent on the platform using available session tools;
• Maintain a balance between gambling and other daily activities;
• Use the deposit and loss limits available on Stake to control spending;
• Reach out to support if gambling begins to feel difficult to manage.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can develop gradually, often without a player realising it. Being aware of the warning signs is the first step toward addressing the problem.

Common indicators of a gambling problem:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than originally intended;
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling;
• Repeatedly trying to stop gambling without success;
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal problems;
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about gambling habits;
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activity;
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships due to gambling;
• Continuing to gamble despite consistent financial losses;
• Feeling a compulsive need to increase bet sizes to experience the same level of excitement;
• Experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, or distress after gambling sessions.

Taking action early can prevent gambling from causing lasting harm. Stake recommends the following practical steps to help players regain control and protect their wellbeing.

Practical recommendations:

• Acknowledge the problem openly and accept that help is available;
• Use the self-exclusion feature on Stake to temporarily or permanently restrict access to the account;
• Set deposit, loss, and session time limits through the responsible gaming settings;
• Inform a trusted friend or family member about the situation for added accountability;
• Avoid environments or situations that may trigger the urge to gamble;
• Seek professional counselling from a licensed addiction specialist;
• Contact a dedicated gambling support helpline available in India;
• Engage in alternative activities to replace time previously spent gambling;
• Keep a record of gambling sessions to build awareness of spending patterns;
• Return to gambling only after professional guidance and a sufficient cooling-off period.

Several organisations in India and internationally offer confidential support for individuals affected by gambling addiction. The following resources are available to players seeking assistance:

• iCall (India) – a psychological counselling service run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, reachable at icallhelpline.org or by phone at 9152987821;
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – a 24/7 mental health helpline operating across India, available at 1860-2662-345 or vandrevalafoundation.com;
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) – a leading psychiatric institution in Bengaluru offering addiction treatment services, accessible at nimhans.ac.in;
• Gamblers Anonymous – an international peer support programme with resources available at gamblersanonymous.org;
• BeGambleAware – an internationally recognised responsible gambling organisation offering guidance and self-assessment tools at begambleaware.org.

Players who are concerned about their gambling habits or need assistance with responsible gaming tools can contact the Stake support team at any time. The team is available to help with account restrictions, self-exclusion requests, and general responsible gaming guidance.

Ways to contact Stake support:

• Live Chat – available directly on the Stake platform, accessible after logging in;
• Email – players can submit a support request via the official contact form on the website;
• Help Centre – a comprehensive library of articles and guides is available at stake.com/help for self-service support.