New Plague of Online Gambling

Kashmir is currently grappling with a crisis that is tearing apart its social fabric. The devastating effects of drug addiction have already taken a toll, not only on individuals but on entire families. The impact is far-reaching, affecting mental and physical health, draining financial resources and causing emotional turmoil. Now, as if the scourge of drug addiction wasn’t enough, another epidemic is sweeping through the place: online gambling and betting. This new threat has started consuming the youth of Kashmir, leading to more ruin for families and community.

The internet has made gambling more accessible than ever before. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, anyone can access a multitude of gambling websites and apps. The convenience of being able to gamble from home or on the go has made it easier for people to engage in this activity without the barriers that exist with traditional forms of gambling. It has become increasingly popular, especially among the youth.

It is the act of placing bets or wagers on games of chance or skill through the internet. This can include casino games like poker and roulette, as well as sports betting, lottery games and even betting on non-sporting events. Online Betting, a subset of online gambling, specifically focuses on predicting and wagering on the outcomes of events, most commonly sports events. Betting platforms allow users to place bets on everything from cricket to football and horse racing to political elections and TV shows.

At first, online gambling and betting may seem harmless, but it quickly becomes a foul force in the lives of those who fall into its trap. The impact on families can be just as damaging as drug addiction, if not more.

Families often bear the brunt of these financial losses. Savings can quickly vanish. In many cases, individuals turn to loans or credit to continue gambling, leading to mounting debts and, ultimately, bankruptcy. The financial strain puts immense pressure on family relationships, leading to numerous conflicts and even homelessness. A man from Baramulla lost 42 lakh rupees through online gambling, forcing his parents to sell their house to repay the debt. Another individual from the town gambled away 32 lakhs and now suffers from severe depression.

The emotional toll of online gambling on families is profound. The secrecy that often accompanies gambling addiction erodes faith within the family. The addicted individual becomes a freeloader who gets gradually consumed by the need to gamble. The stress of financial losses and the fear of losing everything trigger anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, both for the gambler and their family.

In extreme cases, the despair caused by gambling losses can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. The sense of hopelessness that comes from being trapped in a cycle of betting and losing can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with gambling addiction often prevents individuals and families from seeking the help they need, leading to a downward spiral of despair.

Online gambling companies often use aggressive marketing tactics to attract and retain customers. This includes targeted ads, bonuses, promotions and the promise of easy money. Online platforms provide a level of anonymity that can lead people to gamble more freely without the fear of judgment or stigma. This anonymity also makes it easier for individuals to conceal their gambling habits from others, which can delay intervention and exacerbate the problem.

The design of online gambling platforms often includes psychological triggers, such as the illusion of control, instant gratification and rewards. These triggers are designed to keep users engaged and betting continuously, making online gambling highly addictive. A young man from the outskirts of Baramulla, after quickly earning five lakhs, was encouraged to keep playing but soon lost not only his initial winnings but an additional amount of four lakhs.

Of course, economic challenges and unemployment can push people to online gambling in search of a quick financial fix. But the false hope of winning big can lure individuals into a vicious cycle of betting, losing, and then trying to recover losses, which eventually worsen their financial and emotional problems.

Given the severe impact of online gambling on individuals and families, there is an urgent need for stringent laws to curb this growing menace in Kashmir. Regulatory frameworks must be put in place to monitor and control online gambling platforms. Additionally, we need to realize that smartphones turn us less smart and more stupid, at times.

Families need to spend quality time with their members; listen and observe them. Besides, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people about the dangers of online gambling and to encourage those struggling with online gambling addiction to seek help.