Responsible Gambling
Betting and casino games are entertainment that costs money. Most people play without problems, but for some it becomes hard to stop. This page explains how to keep control and what to do if you lose it.
18+ Only
All content on PK Betting Apps is for adults. Operators require players to be at least 18. If you are a parent, use your phone's parental controls to block betting apps.
Ground Rules That Help
- Decide on a monthly amount you can afford to lose, and never go above it.
- Never bet with money meant for rent, food, school fees or loan payments.
- Don't borrow to bet, and don't bet to win back losses.
- Set a time limit for each session and take breaks.
- Don't bet when you are upset, tired or have been drinking.
- Treat any win as luck, not income.
Warning Signs
It may be time to stop or get help if you:
- spend more than you planned, again and again;
- hide your betting from family or friends;
- borrow money or sell things to bet;
- feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down;
- chase losses with bigger bets;
- miss work, studies or family time because of betting.
Tools at Betting Apps
Some operators put these tools in the account settings; at others we could not find them there. If you can't find a tool, write to support and ask them to set the limit or close the account for you.
| Tool | What it does | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month | Account settings or support |
| Loss limit | Stops play after a set loss | Account settings or support |
| Session reminder | Reminds you how long you've played | Account settings or support |
| Time-out | Blocks the account for a short period | Account settings or support |
| Self-exclusion | Closes the account for months or permanently | Account settings or support |
Self-exclusion at one operator does not block others. If you self-exclude, also delete other betting apps and block their sites.
Block Betting Apps on Your Phone
- Android: use Digital Wellbeing or Google Family Link to block apps, and a DNS filter for websites.
- iPhone: Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Gambling-blocking software: BetBlocker is free, works worldwide and runs on Android, iPhone and computers; Gamban is another option.
Where to Get Help
Talk to someone you trust — family, a friend or a doctor. You can also call:
- Umang — free mental health helpline, 24/7: 0311-7786264 (umang.com.pk; number from OpenCounseling's Pakistan list). Umang is the helpline Google shows for crisis searches in Pakistan (Dawn).
- Willing Ways — private addiction treatment in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad; its services list "non-chemical addiction (e.g., gambling)" (willingways.org). Phone: 0322-7413639.
- Gambling Therapy — free online support for people affected by gambling, with chat and forums in many languages including Urdu (gamblingtherapy.org).
If gambling has led to thoughts of harming yourself, call Umang or go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away.
