197 Responsible Gaming — Play Healthy, Stay in Control
197 believes that the best digital entertainment is enjoyed mindfully and with control. This page provides guidance, advice and tools to help every Malaysian player engage in a way that is healthy, safe and balanced with everyday life.
Responsible gaming is more than just a policy — it is our commitment to every user.
What is 197's commitment to responsible gaming?
197 takes social responsibility seriously. This platform is built to deliver enjoyable entertainment, but we recognise that without proper boundaries, online gaming can have a negative impact on some individuals.
We are committed to providing a safe gaming environment by offering self-control tools to every user, ensuring that information about risks is communicated clearly, and making it easy to access support whenever it's needed.
Every decision in building the 197 platform takes into account the long-term wellbeing of our users — not just a fleeting gaming experience. We want users to enjoy this platform as entertainment, not as a source of stress or dependency.
How do you identify risky gaming behaviour?
Recognising the early signs of unhealthy gaming habits is the first step toward regaining control. Here are some warning signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care about:
Emotional and psychological signs
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not playing.
- Thinking about gaming constantly, even while doing other things.
- Feeling the need to wager increasingly larger amounts to get the same level of excitement.
- Attempting to recover losses by continuing to play (chasing losses).
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money has been spent on gaming.
Behavioural and financial signs
- Using money intended for essential needs — such as rent or food — to fund gaming.
- Borrowing money or selling assets to keep playing.
- Neglecting work, family or social responsibilities because of gaming.
- Feeling guilty or distressed after a gaming session but being unable to stop.
- Spending far more time playing than originally planned.
If you recognise several of the signs above in yourself, this is not a sign of weakness — it's time to take action by making use of the self-control tools available on the 197 platform or seeking professional support.
How to set time and budget limits — practical steps for all users
Before starting any gaming session, we encourage every 197 user to set clear limits. This is not just advice — it is the practice that separates healthy entertainment from dependency.
Healthy budget limits
- Set the maximum amount in MYR (RM) you are comfortable spending on gaming each day, week or month.
- Money used for gaming should come only from your disposable income and must not affect essential needs such as rent, food, or bills.
- Once that limit is reached, stop playing regardless of how the session has gone.
- Don't try to chase losses with more money — accept losses as part of the entertainment experience.
Smart time limits
- Set a reasonable session duration — for example, no more than one or two hours per day.
- Use alarms or time reminders on your phone as an external check.
- Take regular breaks during gaming sessions and engage in other activities to refresh your mind.
- Avoid playing late at night or during periods of emotional instability.
Self-control tools available to 197 users
197 provides several self-control tools that users can access at any time through their account or by contacting the support team. These tools are designed to help users maintain control over their gaming activity.
Users can set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits in RM. Once a limit is set, the system will block any deposit that exceeds the specified amount for that period.
Users who feel they need a break from the platform can request a temporary cool-off period. During this time, the account will be locked from all gaming activity, giving users the space to rest and reassess their gaming habits.
For users who need a more serious measure, the self-exclusion option allows them to block access to their account for an extended period. This is an important tool for anyone who feels they need to stop gaming entirely, whether temporarily or permanently.
To activate any of the self-control features above, please contact 197 support via email at [email protected]. Requests will be processed promptly and in strict confidence.
Protection of minors and life balance
Zero tolerance for underage players
197 has a zero-tolerance policy on use by individuals under the age of 18. All users are required to verify their age during the registration process. If there is any suspicion that an account is being used by a minor, the platform reserves the right to suspend or close that account immediately.
We encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's use of digital devices and to use parental control features available on devices and home internet networks to block access to online gambling platforms.
Maintaining a healthy life balance
Digital entertainment should be a small part of a balanced life — not the main focus. We encourage 197 users to:
- Stay socially connected with family and friends.
- Keep up with hobbies, sports, and activities outside of the platform.
- Prioritise adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity.
- Not using online gaming as a way to cope with emotional stress or personal problems.
When and how to seek professional help
If you or someone you know is struggling to control gaming activity, seeking professional help is a smart and courageous step. Gambling dependency is a treatable health condition — and help is available.
Signs that professional help may be needed include being unable to stop playing despite wanting to, serious financial strain caused by gambling, family or relationship conflicts, and feelings of hopelessness or depression linked to gaming.
In Malaysia, several professional support resources are available for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues:
- Talian Kasih 15999 — Malaysia's national crisis helpline providing emotional support and service referrals.
- Public hospitals and health clinics — Psychiatric and counselling services are available at public hospitals throughout Malaysia.
- Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — There are NGOs in Malaysia that offer counselling and support for dependency issues.
If you'd like to discuss self-control options or request an account suspension, contact the 197 team at [email protected]. We will respond with empathy and in strict confidence.
Immediate steps you can take today
- Set your deposit limit for this month via support email.
- Review your account activity history and assess your usage patterns.
- Tell someone you trust about your situation.
- Take a break from the platform for a few days and notice how you feel.
- Contact a professional helpline if you find it difficult to stop on your own.