Gambling Addiction: Signs, Treatment, and Help in India

If gambling has become a problem, please seek help. Our team of experts and the author of the Aviator Game portal provide reliable information about the signs of gambling addiction and available resources in India. Please play Responsible Gaming

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What is gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction (pathological gambling) is classified by the World Health Organization as a mental disorder. According to research by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), this condition affects 0.5-1% of the adult population in India.

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Types of gambling addiction

Compulsive gambling Complete inability to control the urge to gamble, regardless of the consequences. The gambler continues to place bets, whether they are winning or losing.

Intermittent addiction Compulsive behavior occurs only during certain periods. The person may appear to be in control most of the time, but symptoms appear when gambling begins.

Problem behavior Gambling habits interfere with normal life but have not yet reached the level of compulsion. The person is aware of the problem but cannot completely control their behavior.

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Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis is made when at least 4 of the following criteria are present for 12 months:

1. Tolerance to betting

The need to gamble for larger amounts to achieve the desired excitement.

Real-life case: Ravi, a gambler from Bangalore, has been playing the Aviator game for six months. He started betting 100 rupees in the first month, and after five months, he needed to bet 5,000 rupees to get the dopamine rush he craved.

2. First symptoms of gambling withdrawal

Emotional waves (anxiety and irritability) when trying to break away from the game.

Physical symptoms include excessive sweating, shaking hands, insomnia, and eating disorders (loss of appetite).

3. Partial or complete loss of control and unsuccessful attempts to stop playing

Loss of control and self-control, inability to stop playing and stop at the right time.

4. Endless thoughts about the game

You constantly think about the game, how to find money, or how to win. You constantly think about strategy and analyze rounds; the game is literally in front of your eyes.

5. You escape into the game to cope with dysphoria and avoid problems

The game has replaced real life, friends, and work. You avoid solving life’s problems, hoping that winning the game will solve all your problems.

6. Constant attempts to win back your losses and come out ahead

Losing money makes you feel guilty or anxious, which motivates you to win back your losses and at least break even.

7. Manipulation, lying to loved ones, and stealing.

In order to get more chances to gamble, you hide your motives, deceive and manipulate your family and loved ones, and try to find more money to gamble with, borrowing from banks, friends, and loved ones.

8. Your relationships and family are falling apart

Loss of significant relationships, jobs, educational or career opportunities due to gaming.

9. Financial dependence

Turning to others for money to solve financial problems caused by gambling.

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Causes of addiction

Biological factors

Neurochemical changes Research shows that winning activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine in a similar way to drugs.

Genetic predisposition Twin studies show that the heritability of gambling addiction is 50-60%.

Neurotransmitter deficiency Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are associated with impulsive behavior.

Psychological factors

Cognitive distortions

Gambler’s fallacy: the belief that past results influence future outcomes

Illusion of control: overestimating one’s ability to influence the outcome

Selective memory: remembering wins and forgetting losses

Comorbid disorders

Depression (75% of cases)

Anxiety disorders (60% of cases)

Substance use disorders (25% of cases)

Social factors

Cultural characteristics of India

Traditional gambling during festivals

Social acceptability of “smart investing”

Influence of cricket and sports betting

Stress and social isolation

High stress levels in the IT industry

Urbanization and loss of social connections

Economic pressure in an inflationary environment

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Myths and facts about gambling addiction

MYTH vs FACT

MYTH: Gambling addiction is simply a lack of willpower. FACT:

It is a recognized medical condition with a biological basis

MYTH: Gamers can easily stop if they want to FACT: Addiction changes the brain chemistry, making it extremely difficult to stop

MYTH: Gaming addiction only affects poor people FACT: Addiction can develop in people of any socioeconomic status

MYTH: If a gambler can afford to lose, it’s not a problem FACT: The problem is not the amount of money lost, but the inability to control behavior

MYTH: Gamblers’ partners should pay their debts FACT: Paying off debts only exacerbates the problem and is a form of enabling

MYTH: If a problem gambler decides to pay off their debts, it means they are recovering. FACT: Promises to pay off debts are often a manipulative tactic to get money.

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Treatment and help

Professional help

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) The most effective treatment for gambling addiction. Success rate: 65-85% of cases.

Medication

Naltrexone: reduces the urge to gamble

Antidepressants: for treating co-occurring depression

Mood stabilizers: for bipolar disorder

Group therapy Provides support from people with similar problems.

Self-help

Immediate actions when you feel the urge to gamble:

Call a hotline or a friend

Engage in physical activity

Use the “delay” technique – wait 30 minutes

Remind yourself of the consequences of gambling

Long-term strategies:

Install programs that block gambling sites

Transfer financial control to a trusted person

Develop new hobbies and interests

Learn stress management techniques

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How to help a loved one

Signs that a loved one needs help

Signs of financial problems:

Asking friends and family to borrow money

Selling household items, personal belongings, and assets

Accumulated debts and unpaid bills

Keeping finances secret

New behavior and schedule:

Spending more time on the computer or phone

Lying about plans, work, and activities

Spending less time with family and loved ones

Constant emotional mood swings

Signs of physical symptoms:

Sleepless nights and sleep disturbances

Refusal to eat, minimal food consumption, and loss of appetite

Neglect of hygiene and personal care

Stress, apathy, headaches, and digestive problems.

When and under what circumstances should you offer help?

Wait until the player is no longer in a state of excitement, in the middle of a game, or in an emotional state after losing.

Find a suitable private place and use a caring communication style, expressing your concern that the player has a problem with gambling. Do not scold or condemn them; talk about their behavior rather than getting into personal issues. Set boundaries and don’t fall for tricks, limit financial assistance, don’t help cover debts or losses.

How can family members help a gambler?

1. Preparatory process

• Gather all useful information about gambling addiction and treatment options
• Gather family members and loved ones who are willing to help
• Make a list of all the symptoms and signs of the gambler’s illness

2. How to behave with a problem gambler?

Express your love and care, and provide emotional support

Do not criticize or blame the gambler, do not make them feel guilty.

The player may deny and project negative emotions and anger, so be prepared

Offer help when the player shows remorse or emotional regret

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Additional tools for prevention

Train the player in responsible gaming

Block and restrict financial resources

Remember that gambling is entertainment and treat it as such, so only spend money on entertainment that you can afford.

Control your entertainment budget; it should not exceed 5-10% of your income.

Do not be tempted to take out a loan or borrow money from friends or family.

Open a separate bank account for entertainment and allocate 5 to 10% of your income to it.

Time limits for gaming

Gaming should take no more than two hours a day, with 30-minute breaks in between.

Avoid gaming when you are stressed or late at night when you are emotionally weak or tired.

Never mix gambling with alcohol.

How to start controlling your emotions?

If you lose money, don’t try to win it back, just accept it as money spent on entertainment.

Do not confuse depression and life experiences; approach gambling when you just want to have fun or relax.

Do not take wins too seriously, just like losses, because this is primarily entertainment and not a way to invest or earn money.

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IT and technical services to help with gambling addiction

Gambling blocking programs

The Cold Turkey Blocker program is available on Windows and Mac

The Freedom program is available on all devices

The Qustodio program is available on all devices

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Restricting financial transactions at the bank

You can prohibit or set limits on online transactions

You can block payments to casinos and bookmakers

Enable notifications about financial transactions and expenses to stay informed, and you can also enable notifications for a loved one

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Mobile apps

Moment (iOS) – screen time tracking

RescueTime – activity monitoring

Space – digital wellbeing

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Building a support system

Family and friends

Tell a trusted person about your limits

Ask them to check your behavior regularly

Create an action plan in case of relapse

Professional support

Regular consultations with a psychologist

Participation in support groups

Periodic medical examinations

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Statistics for India

Prevalence

General population

0.5-1% of the adult population has a gambling addiction

2-3% are classified as problem gamblers

Men are 2-3 times more likely to develop an addiction

Age groups

18-25 years: 2.1% (highest risk)

26-35 years: 1.8%

36-45 years: 1.2%

46+ years: 0.7%

Regional characteristics

Highest rates: Goa (2.3%), Sikkim (2.1%)

Large cities: Mumbai (1.8%), Delhi (1.6%), Bangalore (1.5%)

Rural areas: 0.6-0.8%

Economic impact

Financial losses

Average annual loss: INR 180,000

Total industry losses: $62 billion per year

Average debt of a problem gambler: INR 450,000

Social consequences

40% of divorces are related to gambling problems

25% of suicides among men aged 25-35 are related to gambling debts

60% of problem gamblers have employment problems

Specific features of online games

Crash games (including Aviator)

35% of all online gamblers in India

Average session: 45 minutes

Average bet: INR 850

Percentage of problem gamblers: 8.5%

Mobile devices

92% play via mobile apps

Peak time: 8:00 p.m. to midnight

Average age: 28

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Conclusion

Gaming addiction is a serious illness that affects not only the player but also their family and community. It is important to understand that this is a medical problem, not a character flaw or lack of willpower.

Key points to remember

Addiction is treatable — with the right approach and professional help

Early intervention is critical — the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis

Family support is important — recovery happens faster with the support of loved ones

Relapses are possible — they are part of the recovery process, not a failure

Immediate help

If you or someone you know needs help right now:

Emergency contacts:

Vandrevala Foundation: +91-9999-666-555 (24/7)

iCALL: 9152987821 (Mon-Sat, 10:00-20:00)

National Depression Helpline: 080-46110007

Our contact details:

Contact Us

Email: research@aviator-aviator.in

Response time: within 48 hours

Confidentiality guaranteed

Sources of scientific research and references

2013 American Psychiatric Association – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.

2014 Potenza, M. N. – Substance-independent addictions in DSM-5 (Addictive Behaviors, 39(1), 1-2)

2016 Hing, N., et al. – Structural characteristics of electronic gaming machines and gaming satisfaction among regular players (International Gambling Studies, 16(3), 380-399).

2019 National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences – Mental Health Survey in India

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Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified mental health professional.

Aviator Analytics Institute supports responsible gaming and is not responsible for decisions made based on this information.

Important reminder: Gambling is intended solely for entertainment purposes for persons 18 years of age or older. If gambling has ceased to be enjoyable or has become harmful, seek help immediately.