Responsible Gambling

At Odds Scanner, we believe sports betting should only ever be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. This principle guides all the content we publish.

Sport is a passion for millions of people in India, and cricket above all. That is why we want our users to understand the risks, keep control and know where to find help if they need it.

Responsible gambling is a set of practices and policies that keep betting a safe form of entertainment. It aims to avoid excessive play, significant financial losses and negative effects on mental health, relationships and work.

It also means preventing compulsive gambling. Licensed operators must take measures such as age verification, protection of vulnerable players and tools that help players stay in control.

Odds Scanner is intended exclusively for users aged 18 and over. In line with applicable law and our own policy, access to and use of our Site by minors is strictly prohibited. We do not promote, encourage or allow the use of our services and content by anyone under 18.

Odds Scanner is intended only for adults in places where betting is allowed by law. Betting rules in India differ from state to state, so please check the laws that apply where you live.

Before you place a bet, keep these points in mind:

• Never treat betting as income. The risk of losing money is real. Only bet the amount you have set aside for entertainment.
• Set time and money limits before you start. Decide how much time and money you can spend each day, week and month, without affecting work, bills or time with family and friends. Your bank may also let you set transfer limits.
• Bet only for fun. Betting should be entertainment, like going to the cinema or out to dinner. Ask yourself whether it suits your current situation, so you don’t make impulsive decisions.
• Don’t chase your losses. Trying to win back lost money with new bets often leads to bigger losses and a cycle that is hard to break. Never increase your stakes to make up for previous losses.
• Keep betting in its place. Don’t let it take over your thoughts, your routine or your relationships. Keep up your other hobbies and commitments, and avoid betting when you feel vulnerable or upset.
• Don’t bet under the influence. Alcohol, drugs or strong emotional stress lead to impulsive decisions. Don’t bet in these situations.

Use the tools licensed operators offer. Licensed betting platforms have a Responsible Gambling section with tools such as:

• Deposit limits: set a daily, weekly or monthly maximum you can deposit.
• Loss limits: set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period.
• Time-outs and reality checks: get alerts on the time and money you spend, or take a break.
• Self-exclusion: block your access to a platform and its marketing, temporarily or permanently. Use it as a preventive measure if you feel you are losing control.

Gambling problems can affect your finances, mental health, relationships and work. Watch for these signs in yourself or people close to you:

• Constant preoccupation: planning bets, replaying past ones or checking results, even during other activities.
• Difficulty concentrating: thoughts about betting get in the way of work, studies or conversations.
• Irritability or anxiety: feeling restless or frustrated when you can’t bet.
• Betting more to feel the same thrill: needing bigger stakes for the same excitement.
• Chasing losses: an urgent need to win back lost money straight away.
• Hiding your betting: lying to family or friends about how often or how much you bet, or hiding statements and betting history.
• Making excuses: inventing reasons for missing money, delays or absences.
• Withdrawing from others: spending less time with friends and on activities you used to enjoy.
• Money problems: struggling to pay basic bills, or borrowing money or using credit to bet.

If you recognise two or more of these signs, stop betting and seek support.

Problem gambling is a recognised disorder, like other addictions, and professional support works. If you are worried about your own betting or someone else’s, these organisations offer help:

• Tele MANAS: the Government of India’s free 24/7 mental health helpline, on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
• Gambling Therapy: free, confidential online support for anyone affected by gambling, in several languages.
• Hope Trust India: a rehabilitation centre that treats all addictions, including gambling.
• Gamblers Anonymous: an international fellowship where people share their experience to recover from a gambling problem, with online meetings.

India has no national licensing system for online betting. We only include operators that hold a valid licence in the jurisdictions where they operate, and we encourage you to check the laws that apply where you live.

If you have questions or concerns, contact us.