1 of 1

Mangaluru Faces Surge in Online Gambling Among Youth, Prompting Community Alarm

Mangaluru, known for its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, is now grappling with a growing concern: a troubling surge in online gambling among its youth. This rising trend has sparked widespread alarm within the community, highlighting a pressing social issue that demands immediate attention.

In Mangalore, online betting is increasing alongside the growing popularity of online fantasy games. Although online fantasy apps are banned in some states, they are legal in Karnataka but are subject to specific rules and regulations. The real problem lies in the rising trend of youth becoming addicted to gambling, where they bet on online betting apps seeking to make money quickly.


Easy access to the internet and widespread smartphone use among Mangaluru's youth have made these platforms more accessible than ever. This ease of use, coupled with aggressive promotions by celebrities and influencers, often lends these platforms an air of legitimacy, further enticing young users to participate.


Experts warn that frequent online gambling can lead to severe financial strain, disrupt personal relationships, and significantly impact mental health. They emphasize the importance of seeking help before the habit spirals into a full-blown addiction. There is also concern about betting platforms which do not hold a license in India and local state governments but are accessible with ease, where the transactions made are untraceable, which can create risky and hard-to-track problems.


An organisation from the government of Karnataka is conducting a large survey to understand what people think about online betting and gaming. They want to know what kind of rules people want and how the government can ensure that these rules are followed in a way that makes sense to everyone.


A recent survey in the city showed that many people couldn't tell the difference between legal and illegal gaming sites, and most didn't want the government to set limits on how long they could play or how much money they could spend. This suggests that young people aren't necessarily against all rules, but they don't like complete bans that don't offer any safe, legal alternatives.


For those who still choose to gamble, finding a reliable online casino can be challenging, especially given the risks of unlicensed platforms. Many players seek out reputable casino sites to avoid potential scams and ensure a safer experience.


Regulating illegal online betting remains a significant challenge, given the absence of uniform national laws. Many platforms exploit these legal gray areas, operating through mirror sites and offshore servers, making enforcement particularly difficult. Tragically, the impact of online gambling has reached a heartbreaking level, with some families in Mangaluru losing loved ones to gambling-related financial distress. This underscores the need for not just stricter regulations, but also more robust support systems and awareness programs to guide vulnerable youth towards healthier choices.

ये भी पढ़ें - अपने राज्य / शहर की खबर अख़बार से पहले पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करे