Responsible Gaming

Gambling always carries the risk of financial loss. No strategy, system, or approach can eliminate that risk entirely. Responsible gaming is about staying aware of that fact and making informed decisions at every step.

At Stake, players are encouraged to treat gambling as a leisure activity with a fixed budget, not as a source of income or a way to recover previous losses. Maintaining that perspective is key to protecting both financial stability and mental well-being.

Core Practices for Responsible Play

• Set a personal budget before playing and commit to it;
• Treat any amount wagered as an entertainment expense;
• Take regular breaks to avoid extended or uninterrupted gaming sessions;
• Never chase losses with additional bets;
• Keep gambling separate from financial obligations such as rent, bills, or savings;
• Use the account tools available on Stake to set deposit, loss, and session limits;
• Monitor your betting history regularly to stay aware of your patterns;
• Avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol, stress, or emotional distress.

Gambling addiction is a recognised condition that can develop gradually and affect anyone. Being aware of the warning signs is an important first step toward seeking help early.

The following indicators may suggest that gambling has moved beyond a recreational activity and requires attention:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than originally planned;
• Continuing to gamble despite repeated financial losses;
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling;
• Lying to family members or close ones about gambling activity;
• Borrowing money or selling personal belongings to fund gambling;
• Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling;
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions;
• Experiencing repeated failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling;
• Prioritising gambling over other activities that were previously enjoyable;
• Feeling a persistent need to bet with larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement.

If several of these signs apply, it is advisable to seek professional support without delay.

Dealing with a gambling problem is possible with the right approach and consistent support. Stake offers several account-level tools and encourages players to take practical steps toward healthier habits.

The following recommendations can help prevent addiction from developing or escalating:

• Set strict deposit limits through your Stake account settings and review them regularly;
• Activate session time limits to prevent extended or unplanned gambling sessions;
• Use the self-exclusion feature to temporarily or permanently restrict access to your account;
• Request a cooling-off period if there is a need to step back from gambling for a defined time;
• Speak openly with a trusted person, such as a friend or family member, about your gambling habits;
• Seek professional counselling from a therapist or support organisation experienced in addiction;
• Avoid gambling platforms entirely during periods of financial difficulty or emotional stress;
• Replace gambling time with alternative activities such as physical exercise, social outings, or hobbies;
• Do not attempt to recover losses by placing additional bets;
• Contact Stake’s customer support team directly to discuss available restrictions and support options.

For players in India who are concerned about their gambling behaviour, several credible organisations provide guidance, counselling, and direct support.

The following resources are available to individuals seeking help:

• iCall (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) – a professional psychological counselling helpline available to individuals in India; reachable at +91 9152987821 or via icallhelpline.org;
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – a 24-hour mental health support line available across India; reachable at 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330;
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) – a government mental health institution in Bengaluru offering addiction treatment and support; accessible via nimhans.ac.in;
• Gamblers Anonymous India – a peer support community for individuals affected by compulsive gambling; accessible via gamblersanonymous.org;
• Snehi – a mental health and emotional support helpline based in India; reachable at +91 44-24640050.

Players who are concerned about their gambling habits can reach out to the Stake support team at any time. Support agents are available to assist with setting account restrictions, activating self-exclusion, or directing players to appropriate help resources.

The following channels are available to contact Stake support:

• Live Chat – available directly on the Stake website and accessible around the clock;
• Email Support – players can submit a request via the official support email at [email protected];
• Help Centre – a comprehensive resource base covering account tools, limits, and responsible gaming policies, accessible at stake.com/help.