Chasing losses
The most common harm pattern. Setting a deposit limit is the single best intervention.
2026-07-25 — desk edition
Editorial Desk • Fantasy Cricket Knowledge
Conditions: Mostly cloudy, light breeze
Edition: Responsible Play
Editorial disclosure: independent • no paid placements
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Responsible Play
Responsible play - controls and 18+ safeguards
Fantasy cricket is for adults 18 and over. We list the controls every account should have, and the free confidential services available in India.
Section 1 · Three controls
Three controls every account should have
Set them in the order below. Each one is reachable in the app, not buried.
01
Deposit limit
Set a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit before you fund the account. The first session is the easiest time to set it.
02
Time-out
A 24-hour or seven-day break is the second control to set. It interrupts the loop of losing-and-chasing, which is the most common harm pattern.
03
Self-exclusion
If the time-out isn’t enough, self-exclusion closes the account for the period you choose and cannot be reversed early.
Section 2 · Three harm patterns
The three harm patterns we look for
Time-on-app creep
Sessions become longer than intended. Setting a session reminder or a time-out is the right intervention.
Concealment
Hiding play from family or friends. Self-exclusion is the right intervention.
Section 3 · Helplines
Free, confidential services in India
- iCall - 9152987821 A free, confidential helpline for anyone concerned about their own gambling or someone close to them.
- National Mental Health Helpline - 14416 Tele-MANAS. Free, confidential mental-health support across India.
- Gamblers Anonymous India Peer-support meetings in major Indian cities. In-person and online meetings available.
Section 4 · Editorial note
Our editorial position
Fantasy cricket is for adults 18 and over. If you are under 18, do not create an account. If you have any concerns about your own play or someone close to you, the helplines above are free and confidential.
Section 5 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are the controls free?
Deposit limits, time-out and self-exclusion are free on every platform we have reviewed.
Can I reverse self-exclusion early?
No. Self-exclusion is a fixed-period commitment and cannot be reversed early. This is a feature, not a problem.
What if the controls are buried in the app?
We publish that as a red flag in our app review. The controls should be reachable in two taps from the home screen.
Section 6 · Read next
Six neighbours from the desk
Topic ribbon
Related reading
App review methodology
Seven dimensions before we write about an app.
Wallet & KYC
Document safety and minimum requirements.
Legal status
Where the platform operates.
Customer care
How to reach a human.
About our editorial desk
Who we are and how we work.
Editorial policy
Independence, corrections and disclosure.
Editor’s pick
Responsible Play - Controls & 18+ Safeguards
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