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Online gambling puts our youth at risk

Published : Tuesday, 25 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 402
Progga Das
Many crises silently take root within society, sometimes leading to catastrophic destruction. Online gambling is precisely such a modern disaster, pushing society to the brink of collapse. There is no need for missiles or the roar of guns to destroy a society, just a mobile phone and an internet connection are enough.

Under the guise of so-called technological advancement, digital platforms have created a terrifying trap from which escape is almost impossible once entered. Addiction, habituation, and the lure of quick money have given birth to an inevitable social crisis. This is not just an addiction; it is a devastating wildfire that consumes morality, values, financial stability, and family bonds. A significant portion of the younger generation, particularly students and working professionals, is sinking into this dark abyss.

Thousands are being ensnared in the web of online betting, casino games, sports betting, and cryptocurrency-driven gambling. The youth, who are the future of the nation, are now bound in an invisible, all-consuming chain. The aggression of online gambling has reached epidemic proportions, where before one even realizes it, families are destroyed, wealth is lost, young individuals become destitute, suicide rates rise, and crime skyrockets.

Those who fall into this trap lose the meaning of existence; dreams turn to ashes, and relationships shatter into pieces. With the widespread availability of the internet and smartphones, online gambling has infiltrated every household. With just one click, young people enter the world of gambling. This is essentially a digital form of betting that has expanded through online casinos, poker, roulette, sports betting, and virtual lotteries. The global online betting market has now become a billion-dollar industry, and Bangladesh is increasingly becoming a significant participant. International gambling sites are attracting Bangladeshi youths through VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), cryptocurrency, and mobile payment services. Initially, young individuals are lured with free "welcome bonuses." In the early stages of playing or betting, they win small amounts, making them believe that earning money through gambling is easy. This gradually increases their addiction, leading them to invest their own money. Once they start investing their own money, they begin an inevitable descent into destruction.

However, the primary challenge lies in law enforcement. Unlike physical casinos or gambling dens, online gambling operates in a virtual space, making it difficult to regulate under traditional laws. Due to the limited technological expertise of law enforcement agencies, shutting down these platforms has proven ineffective.

Although the government has recently taken steps to ban online betting and casino-related websites, they continue to operate easily through VPNs and cryptocurrency transactions.Thus, banning these platforms alone is not enough; the only effective solution is to enhance technological capabilities and equip law enforcement agencies with advanced digital crime-fighting skills. Additionally, those who promote gambling advertisements must be brought under legal scrutiny. At the same time, proper earning opportunities must be created for the youth.
Entrepreneurial programs, freelancing training, and skill development projects should be expanded. Furthermore, public awareness is crucial in tackling such a massive societal problem. Educational initiatives should be introduced in schools and colleges to warn students about online gambling.

The media should play a role in raising awareness, and parents must be educated on the dangers. It must be conveyed to society that making money through shortcuts is never sustainable and leads to catastrophic consequences. Online gambling is a silent epidemic and a breeding ground for social destruction in Bangladesh. It is dismantling the nation's economic structure, family bonds, and the future of the youth. If strict action is not taken now, Bangladesh will turn into a nation of gamblers, and the next generation will inherit a crippled society devoid of values, morality, and hope. Therefore, the state must not only enforce laws but also take steps toward awareness and social reformation to eradicate the darkness of this disastrous gambling culture. This is a matter of national interest and survival.

The writer is a student, Department of Economics, Eden Mohila College


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