Study Finds Voluntary Self-Exclusion Reduces Gaming Time and Spending on Real Money Gaming Platforms

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Study conducted by researchers from IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi has found that players who opted for Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) experienced a 20-30% decrease in daily deposits and gaming time on Real Money Gaming (RMG) platforms. The research highlights the role of responsible gaming tools in reducing gaming activity and spending among users.

Key Findings of the Study

Dr. Tapan K. Gandhi, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and joint faculty at the School of AI at IIT Delhi, along with Dr. Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, a professor of psychiatry at AIIMS, analyzed data from 8,300 online gamers across various platforms. The study examined gaming behavior metrics such as deposit amounts, game counts, daily play amounts, and winnings per game.

The results showed that players who opted for self-exclusion had a reduction in their gaming activity and financial outlays. Additionally, self-exclusion acted as a “reset mechanism,” allowing players to take a break and later return with more control over their habits. For those seeking a more flexible approach, limit-setting tools helped in moderating gaming expenses and time spent on platforms without requiring a complete break.

Responsible Gaming Tools and Financial Management

The study found that players who set voluntary limits on their gaming expenditures had reductions in spending. Unlike self-exclusion, which requires a temporary break from gaming, limit-setting allows players to stay engaged while maintaining financial discipline. By defining their spending limits, gamers were able to manage their finances and reduce excessive deposits on gaming platforms.

Dr. Gandhi emphasized the role of responsible gaming measures in India’s growing gaming industry. He stated, “India’s gaming industry is expanding. While innovation will support this growth, the industry should focus on consumer protection through responsible gaming measures. Understanding behavioral patterns and tailoring interventions accordingly can help create a balanced gaming environment.”

Dr. Balhara highlighted the role of structured interventions in supporting healthier gaming habits. He noted, “This analysis highlights the importance of implementing and promoting structured interventions like self-exclusion and limit-setting to help players develop healthier gaming habits. As the online gaming industry grows, combining such tools with player support mechanisms could support long-term responsible gaming practices and player well-being.”

Challenges and Future Research

While the study provides insights into responsible gaming tools, Dr. Balhara pointed out a key limitation: the data was restricted to users who voluntarily opted for self-exclusion or limit-setting. He suggested that further research with a more representative sample could provide deeper insights into gaming behaviors and the effectiveness of such interventions across different demographic and mental health profiles.

Additionally, a note accompanying the paper stated that while self-exclusion programs can be effective, their rigid structure may make them difficult to sustain and could lead to feelings of isolation. On the other hand, limit-setting tools generally result in reduced spending and gaming activity, though outcomes may vary based on individual behavior patterns.

Industry Implications

The study, conducted with data provided by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), a body representing several RMG firms, suggests that responsible gaming tools can help manage spending habits and encourage financial awareness. As India’s gaming sector develops, integrating these tools could help balance entertainment and responsible engagement.

This research contributes to the understanding of gaming-related behavioral patterns in India. With future studies planned to explore gaming behaviors further, the findings could help shape policies and industry practices to create a safer gaming environment for players.

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