Guide

Gambling Harm: Help & Support

Losing money to satta, betting apps or "fix game" sellers is more common than people admit, and it is not a personal failing. Help is free and confidential.

Warning Signs

• Betting more to win back what you lost ("recovery").
• Borrowing, selling things or using money meant for rent, fees or food to bet.
• Hiding how much you bet from family.
• Feeling restless, anxious or low when you try to stop.
• Spending hours checking results, charts or tips.

Practical Steps That Help

• Tell one person you trust how much you have lost. Secrecy makes it worse.
• Uninstall betting and tip apps, leave "game" WhatsApp and Telegram groups, and block the numbers that send offers.
• Set a low daily UPI limit in your bank app, or let someone you trust manage your money for a while.
• Never pay anyone for "loss recovery" – it is always another scam.

Free Helplines in India

• Tele-MANAS (Government of India mental health helpline, free, 24×7, many languages): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
• National cyber-crime helpline (if you were cheated online): 1930, or report at cybercrime.gov.in.
• Gamblers Anonymous runs peer support groups; see gamblersanonymous.org.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 now, or go to your nearest hospital.