NEW DELHI: India is facing growing concerns over online gambling addiction as rising debts, financial losses and suicides highlight the challenges created by a rapidly expanding digital betting market.
The issue gained attention after cases in Telangana, where families were left struggling with heavy debts linked to online betting. In one case, 22-year-old Harish from Nizamabad lost large sums through online betting before he and his parents died by suicide in October 2024.
Police said Harish had spent around 1.8 million rupees on betting and borrowed money from several people. His family sold land in an attempt to repay debts.
Rising Betting Concerns
India’s online gaming sector has grown significantly, with hundreds of millions of users participating in digital games. However, money-based gaming has become a major concern for authorities due to the growth of illegal betting platforms.
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Experts say online gambling can begin with small wagers but may develop into a cycle of repeated losses, borrowing and increasing financial pressure.
In other cases, families have reported similar struggles. Authorities have linked several incidents to online betting losses, although experts caution that suicide cases are complex and usually involve multiple factors.
New Law Arrives
India introduced legislation banning online money games in an effort to close regulatory gaps and restrict illegal betting activities.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online money games involving chance, skill, or a combination of both, while also restricting advertising and financial transactions linked to such services.
However, enforcement remains challenging as many platforms operate from outside India or move between domains and digital channels to avoid restrictions.
Digital Challenges
Authorities have also raised concerns about offshore betting advertisements, influencer promotions and the use of social media to attract users.
The Advertising Standards Council of India reported thousands of offshore betting advertisements and identified influencers involved in promoting such platforms.
Experts say technology has made gambling more accessible, allowing users to place bets instantly through smartphones.
As India continues efforts to regulate online gambling, policymakers face the challenge of balancing digital innovation with stronger protections for users and families affected by addiction.
