Online gambling, a new menace in Kashmir, pushing countless families into financial crisis

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Online gambling has emerged as a silent but devastating menace in Kashmir, pushing several families into deep financial and emotional crises.

The easy access to gambling apps and websites has lured many—especially the youth—with promises of quick and effortless wealth. Instead, it has left behind a trail of losses, debts, depression, and broken homes.

Many youths in Kashmir have fallen prey to this addiction. One such youth initially won Rs 10,000 in the first few days, which gave him false confidence. Encouraged, he borrowed lakhs from neighbours and relatives, promising to return double in a matter of days. However, once he staked higher amounts, he lost everything. The youth went missing for several days before his family managed to trace him and clear his huge 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 Altaf Bhat, 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.”

Waqar Fayaz, a social activist from Shopian 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. —(KNO)