The online wagering market in India is expanding at a rapid pace, resulting in severe social issues and addiction. Experts are advocating for legal reforms and public education to safeguard families and children.
The phenomenon of online wagering in India has rapidly expanded in recent years, becoming a focal point of social concern. India’s online wagering market is estimated to be worth ₹2.5 trillion annually, a figure that is nearly matched by the online gaming industry, according to pertinent data. It is astonishing that Indians spend approximately ₹5 trillion annually on online wagering and gaming, a sum that exceeds the entire budget for higher education. Undoubtedly, these statistics generate significant concerns regarding the nation’s future.
Numerous family tragedies have resulted from the prevalence of online gambling, particularly among youthful middle-class individuals. Recently, a woman recounted the story of her marriage’s dissolution as a result of her husband’s addiction to online wagering. Investigations disclosed that he squandered more than ₹200,000 within a mere two years and embezzled hundreds of thousands of rupees from his wife’s account. It is not uncommon for young individuals to lose between ₹800,000 and ₹900,000 in online betting and gambling by the age of 18, and similar cases are not uncommon. An even more distressing issue is that some individuals have chosen to terminate their lives as a result of the immense financial pressure, a problem that has become entrenched in both urban and rural India.
Three factors are the primary causes of the increase in online wagering. Initially, the anonymity of online wagering enables participants to conceal their identities with ease, thereby overcoming societal shame. Homemakers and college students alike can engage in gambling from the convenience of their homes, which increases its accessibility and encourages an increasing number of individuals to succumb to its allure. The second point is that the strategies employed by online wagering companies are highly sophisticated, particularly their use of celebrity endorsements to attract users, thereby enhancing the appeal of their brands. Finally, the ambiguity and delay of current legislation create an environment that is conducive to the growth of online wagering. Established in 1867, India’s present Public Gambling Act is inadequate for contemporary society. Further exacerbating the severity of this issue are the ambiguous definitions of “games of skill” and “games of chance.”
Experts are advocating for the reformation of current laws in order to confront this social crisis, which is becoming more severe. Initially, the regulations that regulate gambling must be revised to reflect the contemporary online environment in order to clearly delineate which games should be classified as “games of chance.” Secondly, it is imperative that schools and universities enhance their education on the hazards of online wagering in order to increase the awareness of these risks among young people. Third, it is essential to regulate the amount of money that individuals can spend on online gambling and betting to ensure that these activities are viewed as entertainment rather than as sources of income. Furthermore, it is imperative that professional hotlines be implemented by non-governmental organizations to ensure that families who are impacted receive prompt support and assistance.
The government’s actions and attitude are crucial in this context. At present, the government levies taxes on the revenue generated by online gambling, which serves as a partial justification for its legalization. Nevertheless, policymakers should not solely consider this industry as a source of revenue; they must also consider its detrimental effects on society and families. According to Mahatma Gandhi, the consequences of gambling are more severe than those of drugs, as it can result in long-term injury to society and families.
As smartphones and the internet become more prevalent, online gambling has infiltrated the lives of individuals in more subtle and alluring ways. India must provide sufficient attention and response to this issue in order to safeguard the future of young people and families. Effectively curbing this phenomenon and mitigating its social consequences necessitates legal reforms, public education, and collaborative societal endeavors.
