Srinagar, Jul 09: Online gambling has quietly emerged as a serious menace in Kashmir, driving many families into severe financial and emotional turmoil.
With easy access to betting apps and websites, a growing number of people particularly the youth are being drawn in by the illusion of quick and easy money. Instead of prosperity, it has resulted in mounting debts, emotional distress, and fractured families.
As per reports, several youths in Kashmir have fallen victim to the growing addiction of online gambling. In one such case, a young man initially won Rs 10,000 within a few days, which gave him a false sense of confidence. Encouraged by the early success, he borrowed lakhs from neighbours and relatives, assuring them he would return double the amount in no time. However, as he started placing higher bets, he lost everything. The youth went missing for several days before his family eventually traced him and managed to clear his mounting debts.
Another youth recounted a similar ordeal. “I made Rs 10 lakh quickly at first, and thought I had found a way to get rich. But I soon lost everything, including another Rs 5 lakhs I invested,” he said. “I realised too late that even when you win, you end up losing. This addiction has destroyed my business and devastated my family.”
While online betting and gambling platforms are legally permitted in India, their addictive nature has had alarming consequences. Many families suffer in silence, too ashamed to come forward due to societal stigma. The pressure to maintain a respectable image in society often forces them to hide their struggles.
Experts say the psychological toll of online gambling can be just as devastating as the financial losses. Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of hopelessness. Relationships within families deteriorate, and the emotional strain weakens the support system.
Dr Waseem Mir, a psychologist, termed the spread of online gambling “a plague”. “People must realise how destructive it is. Even financially sound individuals can lose everything. It’s important to have support systems and counselling in place to help such individuals recover and rebuild their lives,” he said.
Dr Farooq Ganaie, a psychiatrist, warned about how gaming behaviours often transition into gambling-like habits. “Many online games offer attractive deals, microtransactions, and loot boxes that mimic gambling. These mechanics slowly desensitise children and youth, setting them on a dangerous path,” he said. “I’ve treated adolescents who spent large sums on such games, unaware of the consequences. Stricter regulations and increased parental monitoring are crucial.”
Nasir Nabi, a social activist from Sopore and founder of “We the Kashmir Foundation”, expressed grave concern. “Online gambling is becoming more dangerous than drug addiction in Kashmir. While the government, police, and NGOs are fighting drug abuse, who will tackle this new silent destroyer?” he questioned.
Fayaz said hundreds of such cases go unreported, as youth play these games easily on their phones. “They can uninstall apps before parents or police notice, and reinstall them later. The only real solution is a complete ban on such apps,” he said.
“I have seen many such instances of online gambling where people have sold their land worth lakhs to clear the debts after playing these games,” the social activist added.
