Play Responsibly on BC Game (Afflinkers)

Every form of gambling carries a financial risk. No outcome is guaranteed, and losses are a natural part of the experience. Responsible gambling means staying aware of that risk and making informed decisions at every step.

BC Game (Afflinkers) provides players in Pakistan with a set of tools and guidelines to keep gambling within safe boundaries:

• Set a budget. Decide in advance how much you are comfortable spending. Never gamble with money intended for essential needs such as rent, bills, or food;
• Track your time. Keep an eye on how long you spend playing. Extended sessions can cloud judgment and increase risk;
• Use deposit limits. Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your account settings to control your spending;
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the platform periodically. A short pause helps maintain a clear perspective;
• Play for entertainment. Treat gambling as a leisure activity, not as a source of income or a way to recover losses;
• Avoid chasing losses. Attempting to win back lost money often leads to further financial harm. Accept losses as part of the game;
• Keep gambling separate. Do not allow gambling to interfere with work, family responsibilities, or personal relationships;
• Review your activity. Regularly check your transaction and betting history to stay aware of your habits.

These principles are designed to help you enjoy the platform while keeping your financial and emotional wellbeing protected.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can develop gradually, often without the person noticing the early warning signs. Being informed about these indicators is an important step toward getting the right help at the right time.

The following are key signs that gambling may have become a problem:

• Spending more than planned. You frequently exceed the budget you set for gambling sessions;
• Inability to stop. You find it difficult to walk away from a session, even when you intend to;
• Preoccupation with gambling. Thoughts about betting, past wins, or upcoming sessions occupy a significant portion of your day;
• Gambling to cope. You use gambling as a way to manage stress, anxiety, boredom, or difficult emotions;
• Hiding your activity. You conceal the amount of time or money you spend gambling from family or friends;
• Neglecting responsibilities. Work, studies, or family obligations are being affected by the time spent on gambling;
• Borrowing money to gamble. You rely on loans or borrowed funds to finance your betting activity;
• Chasing losses repeatedly. You return to the platform specifically to recover money that was lost in previous sessions;
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling. Absence from gambling causes noticeable discomfort or agitation;
• Failed attempts to cut back. You have tried to reduce or stop gambling on your own without success.

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is advisable to seek professional support without delay.

Addressing a gambling problem requires consistent effort and the use of available support systems. The following recommendations can help you take meaningful control of your habits:

• Acknowledge the issue. Accepting that gambling has become a problem is the first and most important step toward recovery;
• Use self-exclusion tools. Through your account settings, you can voluntarily restrict access to the platform for a set period;
• Set strict account limits. Apply deposit, loss, and session time limits to reduce the risk of impulsive betting decisions;
• Seek professional counselling. Speak with a licensed mental health professional who has experience with behavioural addictions;
• Contact a helpline. Pakistan has dedicated support services for individuals struggling with addiction. Reaching out is a practical and confidential option;
• Inform a trusted person. Letting a family member or close friend know about your situation creates accountability and emotional support;
• Avoid high-risk situations. Identify the triggers that lead to excessive gambling, such as particular times of day, emotional states, or environments, and take steps to avoid them;
• Block access to gambling sites. Third-party software tools are available that can restrict access to online gambling platforms on your devices;
• Manage your finances. Consider giving temporary financial control to a trusted person, or close access to funds that may be used for gambling;
• Stay consistent with support. Recovery is a process. Continued engagement with professional help, support groups, or self-help programmes improves long-term outcomes.

These steps are provided to assist you in taking control. You do not have to manage this alone.

If gambling has become a source of distress for you or someone you care about, professional help is available. The organisations listed below offer confidential support and guidance for individuals dealing with addiction in Pakistan:

• Umang Pakistan – A mental health helpline offering counselling and referrals for individuals experiencing addiction and psychological distress. Website: https://umang.com.pk;
• Rozan Counselling and Training – Provides psychosocial support and counselling services across Pakistan. Website: https://rozan.org;
• Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH) – Offers mental health education, counselling referrals, and community support services. Website: https://pamh.org.pk;
• Gamblers Anonymous – An international peer support fellowship that also extends resources to individuals in Pakistan. Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org;
• Befrienders Pakistan (Karachi) – A crisis support service providing emotional assistance to individuals in distress. Contact: [email protected].

These organisations operate independently from BC Game (Afflinkers). Reaching out to them is free, confidential, and without obligation.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits and need assistance with account controls, self-exclusion, or limit settings, the support team is available to help. You can reach out through the following channels:

• Live Chat – Available directly on the BC Game (Afflinkers) website for immediate assistance during support hours;
• Email Support – Submit your query or request in writing for a detailed and documented response;
• Help Centre – Access the platform’s dedicated help section for self-service guidance on responsible gambling tools and account settings.

The support team can assist with setting deposit limits, activating self-exclusion, and providing information on available responsible gambling features. All requests related to addiction concerns are handled with confidentiality and care.