Srinagar, Indian administered Kashmir – Mushtaq Ahmad (name changed), a postgraduate from central Kashmir, has been struggling with a gambling addiction for the past two years. What began as a seemingly harmless hobby—placing bets on a cricket game—quickly spiraled into a debilitating obsession that has left him financially broken. “He once lost over Rs 1.25 lakh on a betting app. That incident nearly shattered him,” said his family, who have attempted counseling in a bid to curb his dangerous behavior. Despite their efforts, Ahmad continues to relapse. “These apps promise quick money, and that illusion is incredibly hard to escape,” his family added.
Ahmad’s story is far from unique. Across Jammu and Kashmir, an increasing number of young people are falling prey to the seductive lure of online gambling, driven by the rise of fantasy sports apps and unregulated betting platforms. This growing crisis has raised alarms among experts, who warn that gambling addiction is fast becoming a silent epidemic. Its impact on mental health, family stability, and financial security is becoming more pronounced with each passing day.
The Hidden Crisis: Online Gambling’s Surge
According to officials from Cyber Police Kashmir, the province is witnessing a rapid increase in online gambling activities, with some individuals reportedly losing lakhs of rupees. “We have seen a significant rise in gambling cases, and the money involved is substantial,” said a Cyber Police official. “This is becoming an epidemic with each passing day.”
The anonymity provided by digital platforms, coupled with the widespread availability of smartphones and the rising levels of unemployment, has created a perfect storm for online gambling to flourish. Apps that disguise themselves as fantasy sports platforms or seemingly harmless games are becoming increasingly common in the region. These platforms often operate from offshore locations where Indian laws are not applicable, making enforcement a significant challenge.
Despite the strict prohibition of gambling in Jammu and Kashmir, illegal betting rings have found a way to thrive. “Gambling is strictly prohibited in Jammu and Kashmir,” explained a senior police official. “However, illegal apps have found a stronghold in the region. The accessibility of digital platforms, coupled with the lack of regulation, is contributing to the escalation of this problem.”
A Growing Crisis Among Families
Families across Kashmir are increasingly reporting instances of financial distress and psychological trauma related to online gambling. In some extreme cases, individuals have turned to substance abuse as a way to cope with the emotional and financial toll caused by their gambling habits. The addiction is not only straining personal relationships but also exacerbating mental health issues within the community.
The larger issue of online gambling in India has been steadily growing, with over 140 million regular users across the country. This number surges dramatically during events like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fantasy sports platforms such as Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle have become household names, operating legally as “games of skill.” However, the increasing popularity of these platforms has led to the rise of unregulated apps that exploit loopholes in the law, blurring the lines between skill and chance.
The Legal Loophole: Offshore Betting Apps and Outdated Laws
While fantasy sports platforms have a legal framework in India, many offshore gambling apps circumvent the regulations by operating from jurisdictions like Curacao, Malta, and Cyprus. These apps often run under the guise of “games of skill,” but experts argue that they still rely heavily on chance, violating Indian gambling laws. The challenge for Indian authorities is that enforcing these laws across borders is both complex and resource-intensive.
India’s current gambling laws are deeply outdated, with much of the legislation stemming from the colonial-era Betting Act of 1853 and the Public Gaming Act of 1867. After independence, states were granted the power to regulate gambling within their own jurisdictions, leading to a patchwork of different laws across the country. A game that is legal in one state might be banned in another, creating a confusing legal landscape that is difficult to navigate.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, where regulatory infrastructure is weak and law enforcement agencies are stretched thin, the illegal gambling industry is expanding unchecked. Police and other authorities are facing significant challenges in addressing the rise of online gambling, with little coordination or support from other states or the central government.
The Mental and Financial Toll on Kashmiris
As gambling addiction spreads, the region is witnessing not just financial losses but also a growing psychological burden on individuals and families. The lure of quick money through online gambling apps has proven to be an irresistible trap for many, especially young people struggling with unemployment and limited opportunities.
The ramifications are clear: as more people fall victim to these platforms, the mental health crisis in Kashmir continues to worsen. Families are left grappling with financial ruin, while individuals face growing anxiety and despair. Experts suggest that addressing this crisis will require a multifaceted approach, including stronger enforcement of existing laws, better public awareness campaigns, and the creation of more robust mental health support systems.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Action
With the problem of online gambling showing no signs of abating, the need for urgent action has never been greater. Experts and concerned citizens alike are calling for more stringent regulations, better enforcement of existing laws, and a broader conversation around addiction and mental health in Kashmir.
As the region grapples with the toll of online gambling, it is clear that the stakes are high—not just for the individuals caught in its grip, but for the broader society. The time to address this growing crisis is now, before it spirals further out of control.
