⚠ Gambling Involves Risk: Gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment — never as a reliable source of income. If gambling is negatively affecting your finances, relationships or mental wellbeing, please use the tools on this page or contact our support team immediately at [email protected]. Help is available.

Player Safety First

Responsible Gambling at 988com

988com is committed to providing a safe, transparent and enjoyable platform for Pakistani players. Responsible gambling is not a policy footnote here — it is embedded into the core of how the platform operates. This page covers the tools available to you, the warning signs to look out for and how to access support when you need it.

18+ ONLY

Or the higher minimum age required by the operator's license jurisdiction. Local laws in Pakistan may impose additional restrictions on gambling activity.


Our Commitment to Safer Play

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime when approached with clear boundaries and realistic expectations. For most players — whether following PSL cricket from Lahore, tracking ICC World Cup odds in Karachi, or enjoying a live casino session in Islamabad — it stays that way. But for some, gambling can become a serious problem that affects every aspect of daily life.

At 988com, we take that reality seriously. Responsible gambling infrastructure is built into the platform from day one: not as an afterthought, not as a compliance checkbox, but as a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of every person who uses this platform. The tools described on this page are real, accessible and available to every registered user at any time.

We believe informed players make better decisions. That is why we present clear, honest information about limits, risks and self-management tools — in plain English, without burying it in fine print. Whether you are setting a deposit limit before your first session or requesting an immediate self-exclusion, we make it straightforward.

Gambling is Entertainment — Not Income: No betting system, strategy or streak guarantees profit. The house edge in casino games and the margin built into sports odds ensure that, over time, gambling costs more than it returns for the majority of players. Set a budget you can afford to lose and treat any winnings as a bonus, not an expectation.

Example: Healthy Limit Use
Daily Deposit Limit PKR 2,000 / PKR 5,000
Weekly Loss Limit PKR 8,000 / PKR 20,000
Session Time Used 45 min / 2 hrs

This is an illustrative example of how limit tools work in practice. Your actual limits are set within your account dashboard and take effect immediately.

24/7 Support Availability
5 Limit Tool Types
18+ Minimum Age

Responsible Gambling Tools Available on 988com

Every tool listed here is available to all registered users from within the account dashboard. You do not need to contact support to activate them — though support is always available if you need assistance.

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit over a daily, weekly or monthly period. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits can be made until the period resets. Increases to deposit limits are subject to a mandatory cooling-off period before taking effect. Reductions apply immediately.

Loss Limits

Set a cap on the total amount you are willing to lose within a defined period — daily, weekly or monthly. When the loss limit is reached, betting and casino play is suspended for the remainder of that period, regardless of your account balance. This helps prevent chasing losses under emotional pressure.

Session Time Limits

Set a maximum session duration after which you will be automatically logged out or shown a reminder prompt. You can also enable periodic in-session notifications — for example, a reminder every 30 minutes showing how long you have been logged in and how much you have wagered in that session.

Cooling-Off Period

Take a short break from the platform without permanently closing your account. Cooling-off periods are available in durations of 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. During a cooling-off period, you cannot log in, deposit or place any bets. The period cannot be shortened once activated.

Self-Exclusion

Request a minimum six-month or permanent self-exclusion from 988com. Self-exclusion suspends your account immediately and prevents re-registration for the exclusion period. During self-exclusion, you will not receive any marketing communications. To request self-exclusion, contact [email protected] with the subject "Self-Exclusion Request".

Reality Check Notifications

Enable automatic pop-up reminders at set intervals during your session. Each notification shows your total session time, net win or loss for the session and the option to continue or end your session. These are particularly useful for live casino and slot sessions where time can pass quickly.

How to Access These Tools: All responsible gambling tools are accessible from the Responsible Gambling section of your 988com account dashboard. If you cannot locate a tool or need assistance activating one, contact our support team at [email protected] — available 24/7. All such requests are handled on a priority basis.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising the early warning signs — in yourself or in someone you know — is the first and most important step. If several of the following descriptions feel familiar, it may be time to take a break, adjust your limits or seek support.

01
Chasing Losses

Placing larger or more frequent bets after a losing session in an attempt to recover money already lost. This pattern typically accelerates losses rather than recovering them.

02
Gambling Beyond Your Budget

Spending more than you planned or can afford — including money set aside for essential expenses such as rent, bills or family needs — on gambling activity.

03
Hiding Gambling Activity

Feeling the need to conceal the amount of time or money spent gambling from family members, friends or colleagues — or lying when asked about it.

04
Unable to Stop or Set Limits

Finding it difficult or impossible to stop gambling once you have started, or consistently exceeding time or money limits you set for yourself before your session began.

05
Gambling Affecting Daily Life

Gambling interfering with work performance, relationships, sleep, physical health or mental wellbeing — or spending significant time thinking about gambling when not actively doing so.

06
Borrowing to Gamble

Borrowing money — from friends, family members or through credit facilities — specifically to fund gambling activity, or selling possessions to generate gambling funds.

Self-Assessment Questions

The following questions are adapted from widely recognised responsible gambling self-assessment frameworks. Answer honestly — this is for your benefit only. If you answer "Yes" or "Sometimes" to three or more questions, we strongly encourage you to use the limit tools available on 988com or to reach out for support.

Have you ever spent more time or money gambling than you originally intended?

Never Sometimes Often Always

Have you gambled to escape stress, anxiety or problems at work or home?

Never Sometimes Often Always

Have you argued with family or friends about your gambling habits?

Never Sometimes Often Always

Have you ever tried to cut down or stop gambling but found it difficult?

Never Sometimes Often Always

Have you used money intended for bills, food or family needs to fund gambling?

Never Sometimes Often Always

If you answered "Sometimes", "Often" or "Always" to any of these questions: We encourage you to set stricter limits on your account today, or to request a cooling-off period or self-exclusion. Contact us at [email protected]. You do not have to manage this alone.

Tips for Staying in Control

These practical guidelines apply whether you are a new player or an experienced one. Building good habits early makes a real difference to your long-term gambling experience.

Set a Budget Before You Start

Decide on the maximum amount you are willing to spend before you log in. Use 988com's deposit limit tool to enforce this automatically. Treat it as the cost of entertainment, like a cinema ticket or a restaurant meal — money you are comfortable spending regardless of the outcome.

Set a Time Limit and Stick to It

Decide how long you will play before you start. Use the session time limit tool on 988com to log you out automatically at your chosen time. Slot games and live casino in particular can make time pass quickly — an external reminder is always a useful backup.

Never Chase Losses

Losing sessions are a normal part of gambling. Increasing your stakes or extending your session to recover losses almost always results in larger losses. If you reach your loss limit for the day, log out. There is no session worth compromising your financial stability over.

Gamble Only When in a Positive Mindset

Avoid gambling when you are stressed, tired, upset or under the influence of alcohol. Decision-making under those conditions is impaired. If you have had a difficult day — regardless of whether Pakistan won or lost a match — it is a good time to skip your session.

Treat Winnings as a Bonus, Not a Goal

Approach gambling as entertainment with a possible upside, not as a strategy to generate income. If you win, it is a pleasant outcome — not evidence of a system that will keep working. Withdraw winnings promptly rather than recycling them back into play.

Talk to Someone You Trust

If you are finding it difficult to maintain limits, talk to a friend, family member or colleague you trust. Discussing it openly often reduces the emotional pressure that drives excessive play. Support from people who know you is one of the most effective tools available.

Take Regular Breaks

Schedule regular gambling-free days or weeks into your routine. Breaks help maintain perspective and prevent gambling from becoming a daily habit. Use 988com's cooling-off tool to enforce a break if you are finding it difficult to step back on your own.

Use Platform Tools Proactively

Do not wait until you have a problem to set limits. Setting deposit, loss and session limits at the start of your account — before you feel any pressure — is the single most effective responsible gambling step you can take. It takes less than two minutes in your account dashboard.

18+

Or the higher minimum age required by the operator's license jurisdiction. The existence of this age restriction does not imply that online gambling is lawful in Pakistan.

Adults Only — 18+ Access Policy

988com operates as a strictly adults-only platform. Access is limited to individuals who are 18 years of age or older — or the higher minimum age required by the applicable operator license jurisdiction, whichever is greater. No exceptions are made.

During account registration, all users are required to confirm their date of birth. Identity verification (KYC) documents, including CNIC or passport, are required before the first withdrawal and may be requested at any point during the account lifecycle. Where 988com suspects that an account may be held by a minor, it will immediately suspend access and launch an investigation.

If you are a parent or guardian, we strongly encourage you to use parental control software to prevent minors from accessing online gambling platforms. If you believe a minor has registered or is using a 988com account, please contact [email protected] immediately.

Pakistan Legal Context: Pakistan has gambling restrictions under the Prevention of Gambling Act, 1977. The legal status of online gambling in Pakistan is subject to applicable law and regulatory interpretation. 988com does not claim to be licensed by any Pakistani authority. Local laws may restrict or prohibit your participation. This is not legal advice — please seek independent legal guidance if you are uncertain about your obligations.

Self-Exclusion — A Full Explanation

Self-exclusion is the most powerful responsible gambling tool available to 988com users. Here is exactly how it works, what it covers and how to request it.

What Is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary request to have your 988com account suspended for a defined period — typically a minimum of six months — or permanently. Once activated, your account is immediately inaccessible and cannot be reopened during the exclusion period under any circumstances.

What Happens to Your Account During Self-Exclusion?

Your account is suspended immediately upon confirmation of your self-exclusion request. You will not be able to log in, place bets, access the casino or make deposits. Any pending withdrawal requests will be processed to your registered payment account. All marketing communications are stopped immediately.

Can Self-Exclusion Be Reversed Early?

No. Once a self-exclusion request has been confirmed, it cannot be shortened or reversed during the exclusion period. This is intentional — the purpose of self-exclusion is to create a firm, unconditional barrier between you and the platform for the duration you have chosen. This protects you in moments of impulsive decision-making.

How to Request Self-Exclusion

Contact our support team at [email protected] with the subject line "Self-Exclusion Request". Include your Account username and the exclusion period you are requesting (minimum 6 months, or permanent). Your request will be processed promptly and you will receive a confirmation. Alternatively, log into your account dashboard and select Responsible Gambling > Self-Exclusion.

After Your Self-Exclusion Period Ends

If you chose a defined period (rather than permanent exclusion), your account will not automatically re-open at the end of the period. You will need to contact support and undergo a short reinstatement process, which includes a reflection period to confirm that you are confident about returning to play. There is no pressure to return.

For Immediate Assistance: If you are in a gambling crisis — meaning you feel an urgent, uncontrollable urge to gamble right now — please contact our support team immediately at [email protected]. We will process an emergency cooling-off or self-exclusion request on a priority basis. You do not have to wait.

Getting Support — You Are Not Alone

Problem gambling affects players of all backgrounds. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The following channels and resources are available to you.

988com Support Team

Our support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with responsible gambling requests — including limit changes, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. Contact us at [email protected]. Responsible gambling requests are always handled on a priority basis.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Opening up to a trusted friend, spouse, parent or sibling about gambling difficulties is one of the most effective steps you can take. People who care about you are often more understanding than you might expect. Accountability from someone close to you is a powerful motivator for change.

Professional Mental Health Support

Problem gambling is recognised as a behavioural health concern. In Pakistan, mental health professionals in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi offer counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that is effective for gambling-related issues. Your family doctor can refer you to appropriate services.

International Responsible Gambling Bodies

Organisations such as GamCare, Gambling Therapy and Gamblers Anonymous operate internationally recognised responsible gambling support programmes. These organisations offer free online support, live chat counselling and resources for people affected by problem gambling in any country, including Pakistan.

Support for Families

Problem gambling affects entire families — not just the individual player. If someone in your household is struggling with gambling, Gam-Anon and similar peer support groups offer dedicated resources for family members and loved ones affected by another person's gambling behaviour.

Self-Help Resources

Keeping a gambling diary — recording when you play, how much you spend and how you feel before and after — is a proven self-help technique. Patterns often become visible over a week or two of honest recording. Combined with limit tools, a diary is a simple but powerful accountability mechanism.

Important Disclaimer: 988com does not provide counselling, medical or mental health services. The resources and suggestions listed on this page are informational only. For formal gambling treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or contact a recognised responsible gambling organisation directly. The mention of international organisations on this page does not constitute a formal referral or endorsement relationship.

Play Within Your Limits

Your Safety Is Our Priority — Always

Set your limits, use the tools available and enjoy 988com as the entertainment platform it is designed to be. If you ever need help — at any hour — our support team is one email away. We are here for the good sessions and for the difficult ones.

Pakistan has gambling restrictions under the Prevention of Gambling Act, 1977. Online gambling legality depends on applicable law. This is not legal advice. Players must understand local laws before participating. Adults 18+ only.