Responsible Gaming at 888starz

Every form of gambling carries the risk of financial loss. No outcome is guaranteed, and players should approach betting as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.

888starz encourages all players in Sri Lanka to adopt a mindful approach to their gambling activity. The following principles can help maintain healthy betting behaviour:

• Set a fixed budget before placing any bet and do not exceed it;
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not a financial strategy;
• Only bet amounts that can be afforded to lose without affecting daily life;
• Take regular breaks to avoid prolonged gambling sessions;
• Use the platform's built-in control tools, such as deposit limits and session timers;
• Avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol, stress, or emotional distress;
• Keep track of time and money spent during each session;
• Never borrow money to fund gambling activity;
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities and social connections;
• Review betting history regularly to stay aware of spending patterns.

Gambling addiction is a recognised condition that can develop gradually and affect players of all backgrounds. Being aware of the early warning signs is an important step toward getting timely help.

The following indicators may suggest that gambling has become a problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned;
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling;
• Chasing losses by placing additional bets after a losing session;
• Lying to family members or friends about the extent of gambling activity;
• Borrowing money or selling personal possessions to fund gambling;
• Neglecting professional, academic, or personal responsibilities due to gambling;
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal difficulties;
• Repeatedly failing to reduce or stop gambling despite genuine attempts;
• Experiencing persistent thoughts about gambling, past wins, or planning future bets;
• Continuing to gamble even when it causes financial or emotional harm.

Addressing a gambling problem requires consistent effort and the right support. There are concrete steps available to any player who wishes to regain control.

888starz recommends the following practical measures:

• Use the self-exclusion tool available on the platform to temporarily or permanently restrict access to the account;
• Set deposit limits to prevent spending beyond a predetermined budget;
• Activate session time limits to control the duration of each gambling session;
• Reach out to a qualified counsellor or addiction specialist for professional guidance;
• Speak openly with a trusted friend or family member about gambling habits;
• Contact the 888starz support team to request account restrictions at any time;
• Keep a personal record of gambling sessions, including time spent and amounts wagered;
• Avoid visiting gambling platforms when feeling emotionally vulnerable;
• Explore alternative activities that provide relaxation and social engagement;
• Seek assistance from dedicated organisations that offer confidential support for gambling addiction in Sri Lanka.

Players in Sri Lanka who are experiencing difficulties related to gambling can access professional support through several dedicated organisations. Confidential assistance is available at no cost.

The following resources offer guidance and help for individuals affected by gambling addiction:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Sri Lanka – The primary state institution providing mental health and addiction support: nimh.health.gov.lk;
• Gamblers Anonymous Sri Lanka – A peer support community following the 12-step programme for those seeking to stop gambling: contact through international channels at www.gamblersanonymous.org;
• Sri Lanka Sumithrayo – A confidential emotional support service available to individuals in distress: www.sumithrayo.org;
• Shanthi Maargam – A counselling and rehabilitation centre in Sri Lanka providing support for addiction-related issues;
• Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) Sri Lanka – Provides awareness, counselling, and referral services for substance and behavioural addictions: www.adicsrilanka.org.

Players who are concerned about their gambling behaviour can contact the 888starz support team at any time. The team is available to assist with account restrictions, self-exclusion requests, and general responsible gaming inquiries.

The following channels are available to reach the support team:

• Live Chat – Available directly on the 888starz website and mobile application for immediate assistance;
• Email – Players can submit requests or concerns in writing to the official 888starz support email address provided on the platform;
• Help Centre – The dedicated help section on the 888starz website contains guidance on responsible gaming tools and account controls.