FAQ 17 questions
Questions and answers
Straight answers about Placebo Markets. If yours is not here, write to us. drvarshith21@gmail.com
The basics
Is this real trading?
No. Every company, price, fund and headline is fictional, and any resemblance to a real company is unintended. You can never deposit or win real money.
Is this investment advice?
No. Placebo Markets teaches how markets and habits work. It never tells you what to buy or sell in the real market.
Who is it for?
Adults who want to learn investing, practise futures and options, or test their discipline before risking real money. Students and educators too.
Is it only about crashes?
No. Rallies get equal time: budget days, rate cuts, election results and breakouts, alongside crashes. Each is fictional, and you can pause and replay it.
Does it cover commodities and crypto?
Yes. Fictional gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas and copper trade in an evening session, and Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Zcash and more trade all day and all night, with simulated prices in rupees. Crypto is high-risk in real life, and practising here is not a recommendation. In India, crypto income is taxed at 30%, losses cannot be set off, and 1% tax is deducted at source above set limits.
Source: Government of India, 21 August 2025; Finance Act 30 March 2026
Sign-in and data
Do I need an account?
Yes. The app, including the beta, uses Google sign-in to identify your account. There is no KYC and no real money.
What data does the app collect?
Your Google sign-in identifies your account; the app’s full privacy policy will be published at launch. This website collects only what you type into a form.
Do I need the internet?
Once you are signed in, the market runs on your phone and works offline. Your world saves safely and can be backed up.
Do you sell or share my data?
No. We do not sell, rent or share your details with anyone for marketing. Form submissions are stored with our website host only so we can reply.
How do I remove my email from the beta list?
Write to drvarshith21@gmail.com from the address you signed up with and we will delete it. The privacy notice explains the details.
Money and wellbeing
Will practising here make me profitable in the real market?
No one can promise that, and we do not. Placebo Markets lets you learn how markets and costs work and see how you act under pressure, without risking money. What you do with real money is your own decision.
Is this a treatment for trading or gambling problems?
No. Placebo Markets is training, not therapy. It is not a medical device and does not screen for, diagnose or treat any condition. If trading or gambling is harming you, please speak to a doctor or a qualified mental-health professional. In India, the government's Tele-MANAS helpline is free and open 24×7 on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
Why is it for adults only?
Placebo Markets simulates leveraged trading such as futures and options, so we built it for people aged 18 and over.
The beta
When can I get it?
The beta is opening in stages. Join the list and we will email you when your invite is ready.
Is the beta free?
Yes. The beta is free and has no ads.
Which phones does it run on?
Android phones. A desktop version for classrooms is coming later.
Can I use it to teach?
Yes. Colleges, finance clubs and educators can request a pilot on the educators page.