Responsible Gaming

Gambling always carries the risk of financial loss. No strategy or system can guarantee a positive outcome. Players in Sri Lanka who approach betting with clear boundaries and realistic expectations are far better positioned to enjoy it responsibly.

888Starz supports safe play through a range of built-in account tools and educational resources. Below are the foundational principles that every player is encouraged to follow:

• Set a budget before playing. Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable losing before any session begins. Never exceed it.
• Treat gambling as entertainment. Betting is a leisure activity, not a source of income. Approaching it this way helps maintain healthy expectations.
• Use deposit limits. The platform allows players to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to control spending.
• Take regular breaks. Short breaks during gaming sessions help maintain perspective and prevent impulsive decisions.
• Avoid chasing losses. Attempting to recover lost funds through continued betting often increases financial harm.
• Keep track of time spent. Set a time limit for each session and respect it. Extended uninterrupted play can increase risk.
• Never gamble under emotional stress. Decisions made while anxious, upset, or under the influence of substances are rarely rational.
• Keep gambling separate from other financial obligations. Funds reserved for rent, food, or bills must never be used for betting.
• Use the self-exclusion option when needed. Players who feel they are losing control can request a temporary or permanent self-exclusion through the platform.
• Stay informed. Regularly reviewing account history and spending gives players a clear picture of their gambling patterns.

Gambling addiction is a recognised condition that can affect anyone, regardless of experience or background. Early identification of warning signs is critical to preventing long-term harm.

The following indicators may suggest that gambling has become problematic:

• Spending more than intended. Consistently betting beyond the amount originally planned for a session.
• Inability to stop. Repeated failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling entirely.
• Preoccupation with betting. Constantly thinking about past bets, planning future ones, or looking for ways to obtain more funds to gamble.
• Gambling to escape problems. Using betting as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or personal difficulties.
• Lying about gambling activity. Hiding the extent of betting from family members, friends, or colleagues.
• Neglecting responsibilities. Allowing gambling to interfere with work, studies, or family obligations.
• Borrowing money to gamble. Taking loans, selling personal items, or using credit to fund betting activity.
• Deteriorating financial situation. Experiencing mounting debts or financial instability as a direct result of gambling.
• Mood changes linked to gambling outcomes. Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when not able to place bets.
• Continued gambling despite negative consequences. Persisting with betting even after it has caused financial, emotional, or relationship harm.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition. If any of the above signs are present, seeking professional support promptly is strongly advised.

Addressing betting addiction requires a proactive and structured approach. The following practical recommendations are available to all players on the 888Starz platform and can provide meaningful support in regaining control:

• Activate self-exclusion. Players can request a self-exclusion period ranging from a short break to a permanent account closure. This is available directly through the account settings or by contacting support.
• Use deposit and loss limits. Set firm financial boundaries on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to prevent overspending.
• Enable session time limits. Restrict the duration of each gambling session to reduce the risk of extended or impulsive play.
• Use the reality check feature. This tool sends timed notifications during play to remind players how long they have been active on the platform.
• Keep a gambling diary. Recording the frequency, duration, and amounts spent on betting helps build self-awareness over time.
• Talk to a trusted person. Sharing concerns about gambling habits with a friend, family member, or counsellor can provide valuable perspective and accountability.
• Seek professional counselling. Certified addiction counsellors and therapists can provide structured, evidence-based support tailored to individual circumstances.
• Contact a helpline. Dedicated gambling addiction helplines offer confidential guidance at no cost and are accessible to Sri Lanka residents.
• Explore support groups. Peer support communities, both in person and online, connect individuals facing similar challenges and provide a non-judgemental space for recovery.
• Contact the 888Starz support team. Players can reach out directly to request assistance with account controls, self-exclusion, or to be referred to external support services.

A range of external organisations and resources provide confidential help to individuals in Sri Lanka affected by gambling addiction. Reaching out to a specialist service is a constructive and courageous step.

The following organisations offer guidance and support:

• Gamblers Anonymous Sri Lanka — A peer support fellowship for individuals dealing with compulsive gambling. Meetings and resources are available for Sri Lanka-based members. Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Sri Lanka — A government mental health authority that provides access to addiction counselling and psychiatric services. Contact: www.nimh.health.gov.lk
• Mel Medura National Drugs and Alcohol Council (NDDCB) — The Sri Lanka national body addressing substance and behavioural addictions, including gambling. Website: www.nddcb.gov.lk
• Shanthi Maargam Counselling Centre — A Colombo-based counselling service offering support for behavioural health issues, including addiction. Tel: +94 11 268 7777
• Sumithrayo Sri Lanka — A voluntary organisation providing emotional support and crisis intervention. Tel: +94 11 269 6666 / +94 11 057 2222. Website: www.sumithrayo.org
• GamCare (International Resource) — An internationally recognised organisation providing information, advice, and support for gambling problems. Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

Players in Sri Lanka who are concerned about their betting habits or require assistance with responsible gaming tools can contact the 888Starz support team at any time. The team is available to help activate account controls, process self-exclusion requests, and provide referrals to external support services.

The following contact options are available:

• Live Chat — Available directly on the 888Starz website and mobile application. Live chat provides immediate assistance and is accessible around the clock.
• Email Support — Players can submit a detailed query or request to the official support email address listed in the Help section of the platform.
• Telegram — 888Starz maintains an official Telegram channel where players can reach the support team directly.
• Help Centre — The platform’s dedicated Help Centre contains written guidance on responsible gaming tools, account controls, and self-exclusion procedures. It is accessible from the main menu of the 888Starz website.