By – Jawahar Mishra
Chief Editor
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Highlights – Smartphone turned into a ‘Digital Casino’! A major study by Monash University reveals that gambling addiction at a young age is destroying homes and relationships. Understand why this is a ‘Wake-up Call’ for governments and parents.
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The Danger of Gambling Addiction Among Youth – While the easy availability of smartphones and the internet has brought the entire world to our fingertips, a dark abyss lurking behind it poses a major threat to the future of the new generation. A new and comprehensive study led by expert Charles Livingstone of Australia’s prestigious Monash University has revealed the shocking fact that gambling and online betting are spreading like an epidemic among youth and adolescents at an early age.
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This report is not just a warning, but a ‘Wake-up Call’ for the system, society, and families, clearly stating that if governments do not enact strict laws and parents do not understand their responsibilities in time, this addiction will completely ruin happy families.
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WHO’s Stamp – Gambling Addiction is a ‘Mental Disorder’, Not a ‘Hobby’
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The study has brought to light with great clarity that the inability to control the intense urge to gamble or bet repeatedly despite suffering losses is not a common habit. International medical systems, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association, have recognized this as a ‘Behavioral Disorder’.
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The Sensitive Phase of Adolescence and the ‘Dopamine’ Game
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According to scientists, the human brain development process during adolescence is such that the tendency for ‘risk-taking’ is at its peak. In such a situation, when a small reward or ‘win’ is received on an online app, a happiness chemical called ‘Dopamine’ is released rapidly in the brain. This chemical change induces children to place bets repeatedly, causing them to unknowingly become serious addicts at a very young age.
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The Arithmetic of Ruin – Shocking Estimates of the Study
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The study estimates that the impact of gambling is not limited to just losing money, but it is destroying lives.
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The Biggest Strike on the Youth – The risk of gambling addiction is deadliest for the 18 to 34 age group. About 90 percent of people in this age group who regularly play online betting and poker machines (‘pokies’) are facing serious financial crises, depression, and breaking relationships.
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Scope of Impact – Speaking of Australia alone, more than 8% of adults are struggling with its side effects, with 1% reaching an extreme risk level.
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Childhood Exposure – The younger a person is exposed to gambling, the higher the risk of becoming an addict and losing all their savings or even their home after reaching adulthood.
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From Financial Ruin to the Risk of Suicide
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Experts have warned that the damage caused by gambling addiction is multifaceted, hollowing out the foundation of society from within:
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Deep Impact on Mental Health – The remorse, guilt, shame, and mental stress generated after losing money in betting lead directly to depression and serious anxiety disorders. Research has shown that this abyss increases the risk of suicide among the youth to a frightening level.
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Domestic Violence and Neglect – Gambling addiction devours not only the person playing but their entire family. The direct link between this addiction in parents and domestic violence, marital disputes, and abuse or neglect of innocent children has been observed.
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Complete Treatment of Gambling Addiction is Possible
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Strong Message for the Government – Curbs on Advertising
The study has raised serious questions about the government’s current policies and lax regulations. The current proposed restrictions are not enough to protect children.
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The Dangerous Game of Data Mining – Online betting companies collect big data of users through digital mediums and create their detailed profiles. Afterward, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), aggressive and attractive advertisements are shown targeting the youth.
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Commercialization of the Game – The way gambling and fantasy apps are advertised during television broadcasts and major sporting events is designed to directly influence human emotions.
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Demand for Strict Action – According to experts, the government should immediately impose a complete or strict ban on gambling advertisements and strictly regulate the availability of gambling machines in economically backward areas.
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A ‘Practical Guide’ for Parents: Take These 3 Steps Today
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The study makes it clear that while blaming companies, parents must also take the command of their home’s security into their own hands. To help children identify right from wrong, the following steps should be taken immediately at the family level:
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Explain the Difference Between Entertainment and Gambling – While playing and talking with children, always emphasize the spirit of play, fun, and entertainment. Make it clear to them that gambling or betting is not a normal part of any game, but a financial risk.
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Distance from Game Broadcasts After 8:30 PM – According to current and proposed rules, gambling ads are allowed to be broadcast on TV and digital channels after 8:30 PM. Keep children away from watching game broadcasts after this time, so they do not come under the direct influence of these ads.
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Use Digital Barricading – It is mandatory to use parental control and online blocking tools on the mobile, tablet, or computer your child is using to prohibit gambling, betting, or payment gateways.
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Need to Leave Stigma and Shame and Adopt Treatment
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A positive aspect of the study is that the complete treatment of gambling addiction is possible. Modern methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) prove to be extremely effective in changing a person’s negative thinking and behavior. However, the report expresses grief over the fact that people suffering, out of fear of social stigma, public disgrace, and shame, hesitate to go to the doctor. Society must break this hesitation and motivate affected youth to seek treatment.
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