Self-Exclusion From India: Blocking Access Yourself

Many countries run a single register that blocks a person from every licensed gambling site at once. India does not, because there is no licensing system for real-money online gaming and such games have been prohibited since 1 May 2026. The offshore sites that still target users in India are not part of any Indian scheme. Self-exclusion therefore has to be done step by step, and this page sets out how.

Step 1: self-exclude with each operator

For every casino or betting site where you have an account, contact support in writing and ask for a self-exclusion for a fixed period, not merely an account closure. A closed account can often be reopened with one message; a self-exclusion should not be. Ask for written confirmation with the end date, and keep a list of every site so none is forgotten.

Step 2: cut off the money

Remove saved cards and payment methods from every gaming account. Many banks and payment apps let you set transaction limits or block certain categories of merchant; ask your bank what it offers. Avoid agents and informal payment routes completely. Under section 7 of the 2025 Act, facilitating payments for online money games is prohibited, and those routes offer no protection.

Step 3: block the sites and apps

Uninstall casino and betting apps and do not reinstall them from links in chats. Use blocking software or your phone's parental controls to stop gambling sites from loading; some tools are designed specifically for gambling. Ask someone you trust to set the password if you think you might switch it off.

Step 4: reduce the triggers

Unsubscribe from promotional emails, block numbers that send offers, leave tipster and betting groups, and mute accounts that advertise gaming. Offers aimed at users in India are themselves in breach of the Act's ban on promotion, and there is no reason to keep receiving them.

Step 5: plan for the difficult moments

Big matches, payday and late nights are common triggers. Decide in advance what you will do instead, and who you can message. Self-exclusion removes access; it does not remove the urge, and support helps with that part.

Support alongside exclusion

Tele MANAS is free and available 24/7 on 14416 or 1800-891-4416, in more than twenty languages. Gambling Therapy offers free online support specifically for gambling. More details are on our help page.

Frequently asked questions