Different forms of gambling are a popular pastime for adults. Whether it is playing cards, purchasing a lottery ticket, casino-style gambling or betting on sports, the craze never seems to die. A new addition to the list is online sports betting or internet gambling. It is the fastest-growing by all estimates, although authenticated figures are not available as yet. Globally online gambling has reached a size of nearly 48 billion US Dollars. Initially, it was only the online poker that dominated; however, now, online sports gambling is the one that leads the race. This easy accessibility of betting through the Internet is taking a heavy toll on young people. There are no regulations, and the sports betting sites do not come under to legal framework as the location remains hidden. The Internet also works as a communication medium, and the youth is indulging in this form of gambling increasingly.
Youth and online sports betting
All will believe that it may be too early to get concerned about this issue. However, this is a misconception. Internet penetration and access have a phenomenal growth rate in India. Like any other medium, it offers all possibilities of misuse. Online sports’ betting is what has started to engulf the Indian youth. The internet sites are full of advertisements related to online gambling sites, and by adolescence, the craze begins to build up. This exposure to gambling is the culprit. It is further fueled by the rage of sports in India, particularly cricket. These smartphones and tablets are letting the youth gamble at any time, day or night. It is practically impossible for the parents to monitor as well.
Why is the youth getting attracted?
Gambling gives a thrill, a unique feeling to the youth. Gradually, the youth wants to make it part of daily life. It starts to replace every other interest or hobby. They begin to assume it as a fun, exciting, and relaxing experience after long hours of college or work. For some online sports, betting is a mere extension for their love of cricket or any other sport. The quick money that they occasionally make adds fuel to this.
Unfortunately, the youth has started considering gambling as a social activity and a way to remain connected with friends and colleagues. Online gambling is designed in a way that, in the initial or the practice mode, the player stands to win more, conflicting the fact that gambling is purely based on chance.
Recent research indicates that youth who begin gambling at an early age are at increased risk of addiction. Unfortunately, this addiction to online gambling creates an altered perception in mind.
The research further reveals that the youth starts to believe that there are more than 50% chances of winning. Moreover, the youth succumbs to gambling addiction four times the rate of an adult.
Identifying gambling addiction
If you doubt that your friend, colleague, or a a family member has a gambling problem; then you need to review the following:
- Gambling will give him a new sort of excitement and unique high.
- He will start missing social get-togethers and post-work gatherings.
- He will start to lie without reason to hide his gambling habit.
- He may start to borrow money to gamble.
- He will start selling personal belongings to get money for gambling.
- On some occasions, he will strangely spend significantly more than his pocket may allow.
- He will start stealing from family, friends, or employer, more often to pay back gambling debts.
- All of a sudden, for a few days in a month, he will keep himself isolated due to loss in gambling.
However, recovery from online sports betting addiction is challenging in comparison to other habits. In the moment of weakness, relapse is only a phone call or a click away. Hence more caution is advisable, and the environment has an integral role to play here.
Are you addicted to online gambling like Poker, rummy, three card Indian poker, blackjack or similar other games? Alpha Healing Center, a five-star rehabilitation centre based in Gujarat, India has a successful history since years to help addicts recover from gambling.
Treatment options
Addiction of any kind is chronic, and one can only overcome it with time, will power and patience. If the addict gets out of the denial phase, then the treatment and its outcome improve significantly. Therefore, the first crucial step is admittance.
Youth gets addicted to gambling due to a variety of reasons. Hence the treatment has to be done with a personalized approach. A tailored residential program is required to ensure recovery and decrease the chances of any relapse. Counseling and methodologies like meditation and Yoga have a vital role to play in this form of treatment.