Study calls for enhanced responsible gaming measures in India

In a significant step towards fostering a responsible and sustainable digital gaming ecosystem, researchers Dr Tapan K Gandhi, Professor in the Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Cadence Chair Professor of AI and Automation,  Joint Faculty in School of AI, IIT Delhi and Dr Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Professor of Psychiatry, AIIMS New Delhi unveiled a comprehensive study titled Effectiveness of Self-Exclusion & Limit-Setting on Online Gaming Behaviour. The study evaluates the impact of two key responsible gaming mechanisms — Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) and Limit-Setting — in shaping online gaming behaviors and promoting sustainable gaming habits.

Analyzing data from 8300 online gamers across various platforms, the first-of-its-kind study in India provides evidence that responsible gaming tools effectively reduce excessive gaming activity and expenditure among users. The results show that those Indian gamers who actively leverage these tools cultivate a healthier and more balanced online experience.

The findings show that players who opted for Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) experienced a 20-30% decrease in daily deposits and gaming time. Further, self-exclusion serves as a valuable reset mechanism, allowing players to take a break and return with greater control over their gaming habits. For those who preferred a more flexible approach, limit-setting tools proved to be an effective way to moderate spending and time spent on gaming without completely pausing play.

The study showcases that players who set voluntary limits demonstrated a sustained reduction in expenditure, reflecting increased self-awareness and responsible decision-making. Unlike self-exclusion, which requires a complete break, limit-setting enables players to stay engaged while maintaining financial discipline and control over their gameplay.  By setting predefined limits on their spending, gamers were able to better manage their finances and reduce the amount of money deposited on gaming platforms. This sentiment underscores the potential of these tools to promote financial responsibility and prevent problematic spending habits.

Dr. Tapan K Gandhi, Professor in the Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Cadence Chair Professor of AI and Automation, Joint Faculty in School of AI, IIT Delhi, said, “India’s gaming industry is poised for massive expansion. While innovation will drive this growth, the industry must prioritize consumer protection through responsible gaming measures. Understanding behavioral patterns and tailoring interventions accordingly will create a sustainable gaming future where players can engage safely and responsibly. By providing users with the tools to manage their play responsibly, the industry can continue to grow while prioritizing player well-being.”

Dr. Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS, said, “This analysis unearths the importance of implementing and promoting structured interventions like self-exclusion and limit-setting in empowering players with healthier gaming habits. As the online gaming industry continues to expand, combining such tools with player support mechanisms could be key to fostering long-term responsible gaming practices targeted at ensuring the mental well-being of the gamers.”

With India’s online gaming industry surpassing 500 million users, fostering a culture of responsible gaming is critical for the well-being of users. The study emphasizes that by offering personalized interventions and refining responsible gaming policies, gaming platforms can create a more positive and sustainable gaming environment. The researchers recommend expanding these initiatives by integrating real-time behavioral alerts, financial literacy programs, and awareness campaigns to further enhance the effectiveness of responsible gaming measures. They also emphasised the need to systematically assess the effectiveness of such measures using a robust study design. In addition, there is a need to develop services and resources for those who end up experiencing adverse mental health consequences.

As digital consumption continues to rise, this study serves as a crucial step toward ensuring that users have the right tools to enjoy gaming in a safe, balanced, and responsible manner. The research reinforces that when given the right support and resources, users are more likely to adopt healthier gaming practices, ultimately benefiting the individuals. The study calls for collaborative efforts between gaming platforms, mental health experts, and regulators to ensure that India’s digital gaming landscape evolves safely, inclusively, and with player well-being at its core.

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