Online gambling is now available to almost everybody in Kashmir due to the widespread use of cellphones and reasonably priced internet services. Online gaming has been increasingly popular in recent years, even in the tranquil Kashmir Valley. Once restricted to conventional games or actual betting, the internet and cellphones have made gambling simple and seemingly risk-free, which can be fun for some people but have disastrous effects on others. These platforms, which range from online poker and casino games to fantasy sports apps, lure consumers in with the promise of fast money and rapid victories.
Gambling provides a thrilling diversion from reality for the young people in the valley, who are frequently plagued by joblessness and a dearth of leisure activities. The issue has only been made worse by the valley’s political and socioeconomic instability and dearth of recreational possibilities. Many people use gambling as a short-term way to escape their everyday problems, but the emotional and financial cost results in disastrous. The consequences of internet gambling are becoming a frightening reality for many people in Kashmir and are no longer limited to anecdotal reports. Communities are starting to feel the effects of this spreading disease, and families are struggling with the fallout.
A distressed woman expressed her distress: “My son began using a gambling app with his friends.” He made a little money at first, but after a few months he began taking out loans from neighbors to cover his losses. To settle his obligations, we had to sell a portion of our property. Her tale is hardly the only one. Numerous families throughout the valley must make painful sacrifices in an effort to save loved ones from the depth of gambling addiction.
A recent example is that of a father of two children from South Kashmir, who lost Rs 90 lakh to online gambling. According to him, “It starts as a game, but soon you’re hooked, losses hit you harder than you expect, but the rush of winning is addictive.” Young people, who comprise a sizable section of Kashmir’s population, are especially at risk. Many use gaming as a diversion when they have few options for leisure or work. The issue is exacerbated by peer pressure and social media ads, which make it harder for young people to avoid the allure of these programs.
Sameer, a 22-year-old college student, says, “Every win feels like a boost to your confidence, but every loss pushes you deeper into frustration.” “You think the next game will fix everything, but it never does.”Gambling addiction is characterized by this cycle of pleasure and misery, which experts caution can cause long-term psychological harm.
Many users lose a lot of money since they are so focused on making it rich. Particularly at risk are families in the valley, many of whom make only modest salaries. Recovering losses through loans or borrowing from friends frequently sends households into debt and poverty cycles. This problem primarily affects families. Conflicts and mistrust arise in households as a result of the dishonesty and secrecy that frequently accompany gambling addiction. Due to financial and emotional constraints, several families have reported experiencing domestic violence and estrangement.
Addiction to gambling has a negative impact on mental health. Those who are trapped frequently experience anxiety, melancholy, and even suicide thoughts. But in Kashmir, the stigma associated with mental health keeps many people from getting treatment, which makes their problems worse. In severe situations, people are driven to engage in illegal actions like stealing or fraud out of a desperate attempt to recoup losses. Local law enforcement officials have reported a rise in these incidents, citing gaming as a contributing cause.
Despite its rising prevalence, online gambling operates in a largely unregulated space in Kashmir. The absence of stringent laws or monitoring mechanisms has allowed these platforms to flourish unchecked. Local activists and community leaders have called for stronger regulatory action to curb the menace. Additionally, awareness campaigns are crucial. NGOs and educational institutions can play a pivotal role in educating the youth about the dangers of gambling. Psychologists and counselors stress the need for accessible mental health support to help those struggling with addiction.
To address the problem, the government has started to take cautious measures. With plans to implement age verification procedures and transaction limitations, local authorities are looking into the prospect of regulating online gambling services. Experts contend that stronger regulations are required, though, such as complete prohibitions on specific gambling apps and improved initiatives to promote digital literacy. Religious experts and community leaders have also taken action; warning against gambling’s risks in public speeches and sermons. Their participation gives the discussion a moral component and motivates people to put their health and well-being first and avoid temptation.
To address the underlying causes of gambling addiction, it is crucial to provide alternate recreational and job opportunities in addition to regulation. Both the public and private sectors need to make investments in generating employment possibilities and supporting neighborhood-based initiatives that give people a feeling of direction and involvement.
The growth of internet gambling in the Kashmir Valley serves as a sobering reminder that although technology can be revolutionary, it can also provide unanticipated difficulties. A multifaceted strategy will be needed to address this issue, including more awareness, more robust legislation, and easily accessible support networks. Above all, the Kashmiri people’s collective will would be needed to restore their social cohesion and keep the region’s youth from becoming hopeless. The valley can only forge a route out of the dark side of addiction and toward a better future by banding together.
(Author works at GMC Baramulla: Email: [email protected])
