Tirupati: An alarming rise in addiction to online betting among youth has cast a dark shadow in combined Chittoor district. What begins as entertainment swiftly develops into a ruinous dependency. Some youth even end up taking their own lives.
The algorithms of online betting sites first create an allure of easy money. Unsuspecting individuals, particularly youth, start off on this perilous path.
According to official estimates, lakhs of rupees are bet online daily through various mobile applications.
In particular, when cricket matches are on live, betting operations spread through social media group chats during live. Cricket betting syndicates operate from Mulbagal, Srinivasapuram, KGF and Bengaluru, targeting vulnerable youngsters with offers of massive winnings. There are hundreds of agents who trap students and young individuals across rural and urban areas.
This has led to serious consequences once youth land into debts. Just last week, a 24-year-old from Chandramakulapalle in Punganur mandal took his life at home. Betting on cricket, he ended up owing ₹6 lakh.
Eight months ago, another young man from Baireddypalle met his end after wagering money on cricket bets. Likewise, a youth in Peddapanjani ended his life in the nearby forest a year ago. Most recently, a B. Tech student from Madanapalle committed suicide in his room, driven by heavy losses through online betting.
Despite awareness campaigns by law enforcement authorities, youth are continuing to fall prey to such scams, said a senior police officer. "We have been creating awareness on the risks posed with offers of easy money from betting and gambling apps. However, we continue to see folks getting victimised by gambling," he remarked.
Police authorities recently conducted raids and arrested many persons involved in unlawful betting during high-profile cricket matches. The police official has cautioned youth against getting tempted by betting apps or websites. He warned that action will be taken against those promoting such illicit services targeting vulnerable individuals.
