Fantasy cricket is a game of skill, but real-money entry fees mean it can affect your finances if you do not play responsibly. This page explains the warning signs of problem play, the helplines available in India, and how to self-exclude.
Warning signs
You may be developing a problem if you:
- Spend more than you planned on fantasy cricket entry fees.
- Borrow money or use credit to fund contests.
- Hide your play from family or friends.
- Feel anxious or irritable when you cannot play.
- Try to win back losses by playing more.
- Neglect work, studies or relationships because of play.
Helplines in India
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling or fantasy-related harm, these helplines are free and confidential:
- National mental health helpline: Tele-MANAS at 14416
- iCall: +91 9152987821 (Mon–Sat, 8 AM to 10 PM)
- Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (24/7)
How to self-exclude
You can request self-exclusion from the consumer app at any time:
- Open the app, go to Profile → Responsible Play.
- Tap "Self-exclude" and choose the duration (1 month, 3 months, 6 months or permanent).
- Confirm. Your account will be locked for the chosen duration.
Self-exclusion is irreversible for the chosen duration — you cannot lift it early.
Tips for responsible play
- Set a monthly budget for fantasy entry fees and stick to it.
- Never chase losses by playing more.
- Play free contests when you want to engage without financial risk.
- Take a break at the end of every losing week.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member if you feel your play is escalating.
If you are in crisis, call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or the Vandrevala Foundation at 1860-2662-345. Filed by IPL Live Fantasy editorial desk · Updated 20 July 2026.
Why fantasy cricket can become a problem
Real-money entry fees create a financial risk that is absent from free-to-play fantasy contests. Even skilled players lose money in the long run, because the contest structure includes operator fees and the field size means even strong lineups face variance. If you find yourself chasing losses, escalating entry fees, or hiding play from family, these are signs that the activity has shifted from entertainment to something more harmful.
Self-exclusion in detail
Self-exclusion is a permanent commitment for the duration you select. The operator does not allow early removal, even on request. During the exclusion period, your account cannot be reactivated, your bonus cash is forfeited, and any pending withdrawal requests are processed before the exclusion takes effect. If you have winnings in your wallet at the time of self-exclusion, you can withdraw them; new deposits are blocked.
Deposit limits
If self-exclusion feels too drastic but you want to control your spend, the operator offers deposit limits that you can set yourself. Daily, weekly and monthly limits are available. Once set, the limit cannot be raised for 7 days (daily) or 30 days (weekly/monthly). Lowering the limit takes effect immediately.
Time-out
If you want a short break without committing to self-exclusion, request a time-out. Time-outs can be 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days or 30 days. During the time-out, you cannot log in or play. Time-outs cannot be lifted early.
Family support
If a family member's play is affecting your household, you can request a third-party exclusion through the operator's responsible play team. This requires documentation and is processed within 14 days. For immediate support, contact the helplines listed above — they are free, confidential and available 24/7.
For parents
If you are a parent concerned about your teenager's exposure to real-money gaming, the operator's parental controls block account creation by minors and require identity verification at signup. If a minor has created an account using false age details, contact customer care to request account closure and refund of any deposit.