The basics
- Adults only. Casino games and betting are for people aged 18 and over.
- Check the law. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, a central law, prohibits offering, advertising and facilitating payments for online money games across India, and state laws also apply. Check the law that applies to you before playing.
- Budget first. Only use money you can afford to lose – never rent, EMIs, school fees or savings.
- No chasing. Losses are part of the game. Trying to win them back usually makes them bigger.
- Not an income. Gambling is paid entertainment, not a way to earn or invest money.
Use limits, not willpower
It is easier to stick to a decision made in advance. Set your limits before you log in – look for deposit limits and self-exclusion in your Pin-Up account settings, and ask support if you need further restrictions.
| Tool | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can add per day, week or month | Always – set it when you open the account |
| Loss limit | A personal stop point for each session | Before every session, especially fast games |
| Session timer | A phone alarm or reminder to take a break | Crash games, live betting, long slot sessions |
| Cooling-off | A short break during which you cannot play | After a bad run or when you feel frustrated |
| Self-exclusion | Blocks access for a longer, fixed period | When limits are no longer enough |
When play stops being fun
Gambling harm tends to build up gradually. These are common signs that it is time to pause:
- You keep going past the budget or time you set
- You raise your bets after losing, hoping to win it back
- You have borrowed, used a credit line or delayed bills to deposit
- You play in secret or feel guilty afterwards
- You gamble to escape stress, boredom or worry
- Sleep, work or family time is suffering
Blocking and self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is the strongest tool an operator offers: request it through Pin-Up support and choose a period long enough to make a difference. You can also install blocking apps and ask your bank whether it can stop gambling transactions.
Delete saved passwords and uninstall casino apps during a break – fewer shortcuts mean fewer impulsive sessions.
Keeping minors safe
Keep casino accounts, cards and UPI apps away from children. Parental-control settings on shared devices and logging out after play help prevent underage access.
Questions to ask yourself
Answer honestly. If you say yes to any of these, consider taking a break and using the tools above.
- Have I spent more on gambling this month than I meant to?
- Have I gone back another day to win back money I lost?
- Has anyone close to me said my gambling worries them?
- Have I felt I should cut down but not managed to?
Support is available
Talking helps. Start with someone you trust, or with your doctor or a counsellor. Gambling Therapy offers free, confidential support online, including live chat, and accepts people from India.
For account-level tools, see our contact page for how to reach Pin-Up support safely.