Updated
Support when gambling is causing harm
If gambling is affecting your money, relationships or wellbeing, you can seek support now. You do not need to settle an account dispute or wait for further losses before asking for help.
In India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 for mental health support. The Government of India's programme information lists this toll-free number and describes a 24-hour service. Tele-MANAS is a mental health service, not a betting-account support line.
For gambling-specific support, Gordon Moody's Gambling Therapy service provides practical and emotional support by text to people worldwide, including friends and family. Its service page links to the available support options.
If someone is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Signs that gambling may be affecting you
Problems can involve more than the amount lost. Notice whether gambling is changing how you spend, feel or relate to other people:
- Trying to recover a loss by gambling again.
- Borrowing or using money needed for everyday bills.
- Hiding the extent of your gambling from someone close to you.
- Feeling distressed, guilty or preoccupied with gambling.
- Finding it difficult to stop despite harm to work or relationships.
These are reasons to seek support, not a diagnosis or a test you must pass. The NHS information on gambling-related harm explains warning signs and practical steps. Its treatment and helpline listings are UK-focused.
Steps to take while seeking help
Step away from gambling and speak to someone you trust. Put essential bills first, and avoid borrowing or making another deposit to recover previous losses. Keep a record of spending so a win does not obscure the wider effect on your finances.
You can ask your bank whether it offers a gambling-payment block and consider software that restricts access to gambling websites. Availability and coverage depend on the bank or tool; a block is an additional barrier, not a guarantee that every route is covered.
Account limits, pauses and self-exclusion
A personal spending limit, a temporary account pause and self-exclusion are different arrangements. Their effect depends on what the service actually enforces. This website does not establish a verified Mahadev Book self-exclusion system, a fixed cooling-off period or built-in spending controls.
For an account restriction request, the published account contact details identify the site's enquiry channel. Ask what restriction can be applied, which account it covers and how its start and duration will be confirmed. Keep the response, and do not assume that one request restricts separately named platforms.
The site's account contact is separate from professional mental health or gambling-harm support. You can contact the support services above without waiting for an account response.
Support for family and friends
Another person's gambling can affect your wellbeing and household finances too. Gam-Anon provides information and a meeting directory for people affected by someone else's gambling. The directory includes virtual and international meetings; check each listing for its arrangements.
This site is for adults aged 18 and over. Gambling should not be treated as income or a way to solve financial difficulties.