Responsible Gaming at Stake

Every form of gambling carries financial risk. Losses are a natural part of the experience, and no outcome is ever guaranteed. Playing responsibly means staying in control of how much time and money you spend.

Stake offers several practical tools to help you do exactly that:

• Deposit Limits: Set a cap on how much you deposit daily, weekly, or monthly to stay within your budget.
• Loss Limits: Define the maximum amount you are comfortable losing within a set period.
• Wagering Limits: Control the total amount you bet over a chosen timeframe.
• Session Time Limits: Restrict how long each gambling session lasts to avoid extended play.
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing.
• Cool-Off Period: Take a short break from gambling when you feel you need one.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to your account if gambling is affecting your life.

These tools are available in your account settings. Using them regularly helps keep gambling enjoyable and within healthy boundaries.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of how long they have been playing. Identifying warning signs early is an important step toward getting the right support.

The following indicators may suggest a gambling problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities because of gambling
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
• Chasing losses by placing more bets to recover money already lost
• Lying to friends or family about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
• Continuing to gamble even after experiencing significant financial losses
• Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyable

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is advisable to seek professional support without delay.

Taking action early can make a significant difference. There are concrete steps you can follow to regain control over your gambling habits.

The following recommendations can help you play more responsibly and protect your financial and emotional wellbeing:

• Set strict limits on deposits, losses, and session time using the tools available in your account.
• Avoid chasing losses. Accept that losses are part of gambling and do not increase bets to recover them.
• Take regular breaks during and between gaming sessions to maintain perspective.
• Keep gambling separate from your income, savings, or essential expenses.
• Inform a trusted person about your gambling activity so they can provide accountability.
• Use the self-exclusion feature if you feel your gambling is becoming difficult to manage.
• Track your gambling activity by reviewing your transaction history periodically.
• Avoid gambling under stress or when experiencing emotional difficulties.
• Seek professional counselling if self-management tools are not sufficient.
• Contact support teams at any time if you need guidance on activating protective features.

Professional support is available for anyone experiencing difficulty with gambling addiction. Reaching out to a dedicated organisation is a positive and courageous step.

The following organisations provide assistance to individuals in India:

• iCall (TISS): A psychosocial helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Offers counselling and mental health support.
  Website: https://icallhelpline.org
  Phone: +91-9152987821
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: A 24/7 mental health helpline providing free support across India.
  Website: https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com
  Phone: 1860-2662-345
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences): A leading mental health institution offering addiction treatment and counselling services.
  Website: https://nimhans.ac.in
  Phone: 080-46110007
• Gamblers Anonymous India: A peer support fellowship for individuals affected by gambling addiction.
  Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org
• Snehi India: A non-profit offering emotional support and counselling services.
  Website: https://www.snehi.org
  Phone: +91-44-24640050

All services listed above are confidential. Contacting them at any stage of concern is encouraged.

If gambling is causing you concern, the Stake support team is available to assist you. The team can help activate protective tools, guide you through self-exclusion options, or direct you to appropriate resources.

You can reach Stake support through the following channels:

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Stake website for immediate assistance.
• Email Support: Send a message to [email protected] for detailed enquiries.
• Help Centre: Access guides and FAQs at https://help.stake.com for self-service support.
• Social Media: Reach out via official Stake social media channels for general assistance.

All communications regarding responsible gaming are treated with full confidentiality. Seeking help is always the right course of action.