Warning signs in yourself
- Spending more money or time than you planned.
- Chasing losses with bigger or more frequent bets.
- Borrowing money, selling things or missing bills to keep playing.
- Hiding or lying about how much you bet.
- Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable when you try to cut back.
- Thinking about betting much of the time, or betting to escape stress or low mood.
- Neglecting work, study, sleep or family.
A quick self-check
Ask yourself honestly:
- Have I bet more than I could afford to lose?
- Have I tried to win back money I lost?
- Have I felt that I might have a problem?
- Has betting caused money, health or relationship difficulties?
Answering yes to any of these is a reason to take a break and talk to someone. This is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can assess you.
What you can do now
- Pause: take a break or use self-exclusion through support.
- Limit access: remove saved cards, block gambling sites and delete betting apps.
- Talk: tell someone you trust. Secrecy makes problems worse.
- Get support: free, confidential help is available (see below).
- Look after your money: consider asking a trusted person to help you manage your finances while you recover.
If someone close to you may have a problem
- Choose a calm moment and speak with care rather than blame.
- Listen first and tell them you are worried about specific things you have seen.
- Avoid paying off their gambling debts or lending money without a plan.
- Protect your own money and wellbeing, and seek support for yourself too.
Free, independent support
- Tele-MANAS (India): free 24-hour mental health support line. Call 14416.
- Gambling Therapy: free online advice and live chat in several languages at gamblingtherapy.org.
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If you are in immediate distress or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line right away. You do not have to manage this alone.