Playing Responsibly

Why this page exists

Reading about the history of licensed gaming venues is different from participating in gaming activity, and we think it is worth being explicit about that distinction. This page is not an endorsement of gaming participation; it is a pointer to support resources for anyone in India who is concerned about their own gaming habits or those of someone close to them.

General signs of harmful gaming habits

Common indicators that gaming activity has become harmful include spending more money or time on it than intended, difficulty stopping despite wanting to, borrowing money to continue, hiding the extent of participation from family, and continued participation despite negative effects on work, relationships, or finances. These are general indicators used across public-health literature, not a diagnostic tool, and anyone concerned should seek a qualified professional assessment.

Support contacts in India

The following are commonly cited national mental-health and counselling resources in India. Availability, hours, and contact details can change; verify current details before relying on them in an urgent situation.

• iCall (TISS) psychosocial helpline — a mental-health counselling helpline operated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Contact details: verify current number and hours via iCall's official channels.
• KIRAN mental health helpline — a national helpline operated under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Contact details: verify current number via the ministry's official channels.
• Vandrevala Foundation helpline — a mental-health support helpline. Contact details: verify current number via the foundation's official channels.
• State gaming authority, Sikkim — for questions specific to licensed gaming premises in Sikkim, including any complaint or self-exclusion process a venue may offer. Contact details: verify with the Government of Sikkim.

We have deliberately left exact phone numbers as "verify" items rather than printing a number we cannot confirm is current. Please check the operating organisation's own published contact information before calling.

For family and friends

If you are concerned about someone else's gaming habits, general public-health guidance suggests approaching the conversation without judgement, encouraging professional support rather than attempting to manage the issue alone, and looking after your own wellbeing in the process. The helplines above are generally open to calls from concerned family members as well as the individual affected.