What begins as harmless fun during cricket season is turning into a life-altering trap for many young Indians. One such case involves a youth who was once a passionate cricket fan but gradually fell into the abyss of online IPL betting. Lured in by the thrill, influencer promotions, and glamorized platforms, he started placing small bets that escalated rapidly. Losses mounted, and in desperation, he borrowed from shady apps and illegal lenders. Unable to repay, he resorted to robbery to fuel his growing addiction.
This is not an isolated incident. Across India, youth are being ensnared by unregulated betting apps, especially during IPL, leading to a surge in debt, crime, and mental health issues. Experts liken the addiction to drug abuse, warning of its psychological grip and the resulting family distress, harassment by loan collectors, and even suicides.
Mental health professionals are demanding urgent regulatory reforms, such as banning celebrity endorsements, tightening app oversight, and implementing accessible support systems. Without immediate action, the digital age may continue to fuel an invisible but deadly crisis.
