New Delhi/London: The global online gaming and betting industry has crossed $100 billion (about Rs 8.3 lakh crore) annually, with Asian countries including India being a fast-growing market. But, gambling platforms being promoted unhindered by social media influencers are pushing the youth into a trap of addiction and debt. This information has come to light in the UNODC and Global Gaming Report 2023.
Global landscape of online betting:
1. Market size: The value of the online gambling industry in 2023 was $112 billion, which is estimated to cross $180 billion by 2027.
2. Boom in India: This market in India is worth ₹1.5 lakh crore annually, with 80% youth (18-35 age group) included.
3. Legal darkness: More than 60% of Indian platforms are registered offshore (Caribbean countries), making legal action difficult.
Role of influencers: 'Illusion of winning'
How do they work? Influencers (like Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan's look-alikes) make deals with platforms and make videos of "match predictions" or "free bets".
Fraud case: In 2023, Mumbai Police arrested 8 influencers who were showing fake wins for apps like "Betwin" and "Fairplay".
UK study: 70% of youth admitted that they gambled for the first time after watching videos of influencers.
Government response and challenges:
1. Laws in India:
28% GST applicable on games like PUBG, Rummy, but betting platforms often make excuses of "skill game".
Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh banned online gambling, but downloads continue from the app store.
2. Strictness in Europe: The UK banned influencers, while in Spain gambling ads cannot be broadcast before 9PM.
Psychological and social impact:
Risk of addiction: According to WHO, 4% of Indian youth are struggling with gambling addiction.
Suicide case: In 2022, an engineer from Hyderabad committed suicide after getting into debt of ₹50 lakh, 80% of which was spent on online gambling.
Warning from experts:
Dr. Sameer Parekh (Psychiatrist): "These platforms design game mechanisms that release dopamine, which have an addictive effect."
Archana Dutta (Cyber Law Expert): "Clear distinction between 'skill game' and 'chance game' is necessary in the law."
Way forward:
Awareness campaign: Seminars on gambling addiction in schools and colleges.
Strict KYC: Making PAN-Aadhaar linking mandatory.
Restrictions on influencers: SEBI and TRAI to issue guidelines.
Source: UNODC Report 2023, Global Gaming Market Analysis, and Indian Police statistics.