Gambling Problems: Signs and Help in India
Online money games have been prohibited in India since 1 May 2026, but the law does not make existing problems disappear. People who gambled before the ban, or who continue on offshore sites, can still be caught in debt, secrecy and stress. This page is for them and for the people around them.
Where to get help
| Service | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tele MANAS (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) | Free, confidential tele-mental-health support, 24/7, in more than twenty languages. Not gambling-specific, but covers addiction and stress. | 14416 or 1800-891-4416 |
| Gambling Therapy | Free online support focused on gambling, in many languages | Chat and forums |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Mutual-help fellowship and meeting finder | Website |
There is no national gambling-specific helpline in India; Tele MANAS is the national line most able to help, and its counsellors can refer callers onward.
Warning signs
- Spending more than intended, or returning to win back losses.
- Borrowing from friends, family or apps to keep playing.
- Hiding gambling, or lying about time and money spent.
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling.
- Neglecting studies, work or family because of it.
Debt and secrecy
Gambling problems often surface as debt — loans taken through apps, borrowed money, unpaid bills. Debt grows faster when it is hidden. Telling one trusted person and listing everything owed are the first practical steps; a counsellor can help plan the conversation. Be wary of anyone offering "quick recovery" through more betting or through paid schemes.
For families
If someone close to you is gambling, avoid lending money to cover losses, and talk about the behaviour rather than the person. Practical help — blocking tools on shared devices, agreeing who manages money for a while — often works better than arguments. Families can call Tele MANAS too.
The legal context
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 prohibits online money games and bans their advertising. Offshore sites remain reachable for some people, and some may be blocked by MeitY orders. If you are using such a site, our self-exclusion page explains how to block access and close accounts.