‘The family paid the price’: India’s deadly online gambling crisis
A deadly online gambling crisis in India has led to debt and suicide, prompting a new national ban that offshore operators are evading.Summary
India is facing a growing online gambling crisis, highlighted by tragic cases like that of Harish, a young man whose betting addiction led to overwhelming debt and the suicide of his entire family. The issue is widespread, fueled by easy access via smartphones, aggressive advertising, and a vast illegal offshore market estimated to be worth billions of dollars. Research links gambling disorder to increased suicide risk, and the financial burden often destroys entire families' savings and futures. In response, the Indian government passed a strict law in 2025 banning all online money games, including both chance and skill-based games. However, enforcement is challenging as operators shift offshore, use digital evasion tactics, and rely on celebrity endorsements and surrogate advertising to continue attracting users.
(Source：Al Jazeera)