Baramulla, June 26: The addiction to online betting and gambling has spread from rural areas to urban centres in Kashmir, leaving a trail of devastated families in its wake. Technologically enabled gambling platforms have led to severe financial and emotional turmoil for many households especially across north Kashmir.
The High Stakes of Online Gambling
Online gambling has infiltrated households across Kashmir, affecting individuals from all walks of life. What starts as a seemingly harmless attempt to earn quick money often spirals into a destructive habit, pushing families into financial ruin. The allure of quick riches has led many to gamble away their savings, assets, and even their homes.
Real Stories of Despair
In a harrowing incident, an individual (name withheld) from Baramulla lost a staggering Rs 42 lakhs through online gambling. His parents, burdened by the massive debt, were forced to sell their house to repay the creditors. Similarly, another man from Baramulla town gambled away Rs 32 lakhs and now grapples with severe depression.
These stories are not isolated. Firdous Ahmad (name changed), a young man from Baramulla outskirts, while recounting his ordeal said, initially he made Rs 5 lakhs quickly, which encouraged him to keep playing. However, he soon lost not only the initial amount but an additional Rs 4 lakhs. “I realised too late that even if one earns in such gambling, they end up losing. It has devastated me and my family. I suffered huge losses in my business because of this online betting platform,” he said.
Penetration into rural areas
The scourge of online gambling is not limited to urban areas; it has deeply affected rural areas as well. Many young people, driven by the dream of earning millions without working, fall prey to these platforms. Games like Aviator and BC game are particularly popular among the youth, further entrenching the addiction.
While many of these online betting and gambling games are legal across India, their addictive nature has had severe repercussions. Families are often unable to reveal their plight due to the fear of social stigma. The societal pressure to maintain a respectable status forces many to suffer in silence.
The psychological toll of online gambling is immense. Apart from the financial losses, individuals suffer from anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. The addiction can strain family relationships, leading to conflicts and a breakdown of support systems.
Muhammad Asif, a psychologist, said the issue of online gambling addiction requires a multifaceted approach. Public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations, and accessible support systems for addicts are crucial.
He said, “It is spreading like plague. People need to know its devastating effects. A financially sound person can become poor in no time if he falls addicted to such online gambling platforms. The support groups and counselling services can also play a vital role in helping individuals recover from the addiction and rebuild their lives.”
The silent devastation caused by online gambling in Kashmir is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Scores of families across Jammu and Kashmir are struggling to cope with the financial and emotional fallout of this addiction.