What is online Gambling?
Online gambling consists of any gambling through using online digital devices like Mobile, Laptop, Computer, etc. This includes virtual poker, casinos, and sports betting. Online gambling is spread worldwide and captures an immense market value (approximately $263.5 billion in 2023, and the market size will grow by 12.0 % during 2032.
Most common reasons and risk factors for people gambling online:
One of the reasons gambling is so prevalent online is the attractive bonuses and promotions often offered. These can include free spins, no-deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, and more. This gives players a better chance of winning and makes gambling more lucrative. Apart from these, some biological, psychological, social, or environmental causes lead to online gambling. All of which are listed below:
Biological causes: Online gambling triggers the release of dopamine, serotonin, and others from generation to generation.
Psychological causes: Daily life stresses and underlying mental health problems can be a reason a person engages in online gambling. that higher rates of co-existing mental health problems including depression and anxiety.
Social/environmental: Exposure to online gambling increases the risk of developing an addiction. Early and constant exposure to gambling may come from familial and friends influences.
Family Needs and Choices short-cut: Gambling addiction can also lead to extreme financial stress for the whole family. Sometimes, people try to chase their losses and become rich with shortcuts.
A choice for new generations: Due to over-access to the internet without proper control by families, adolescents, and youth become an addition to online platforms that lead to online gambling.
The signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction:
You will find many signs and symptoms in an online gambler which will differentiate a common man. The signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction are listed below:
- Obsessing over online gambling.
- Experiencing strong cravings when unable to gamble.
- Constantly thinking about online gambling, bets, or moves to make.
- Gambling online to feel better about life.
- Neglecting work or schooling in favor of online gambling.
- Using every opportunity to check gambling platforms or apps.
- Spending most of the time gambling online.
- Financial difficulties caused by gambling, unpaid bills, and loans.
- Taking bigger risks while gambling online.
- Feeling guilty, but continuing gambling.
- Unsuccessful attempts lead to depression and anxiety in daily life.
- Conflict with siblings/parents in simple issues.
- Separate from families and friends.
- Lying about online gambling.
- Social isolation and withdrawal.
- Reluctant about physical game and focus more on the internet and online platforms.
- Problems with friends, family, and relationships due to online gambling habits.
- Being secretive about phone and laptop use.
Effect of Online Gambling:
There is nothing but a negative impact of online gambling on Society. A minimum portion of people becomes economically benefited whereas a large portion of society becomes devastated. It leads to financial problems, debt, bankruptcy, theft, looting, kidnapping, abduction etc. Besides this, it is hazardous for particularly young people who invest most of their time in gambling rather than their education which their future is going to spoil.
The variant effects of online gambling addiction are described in the below:
Physical effects: Physical effects of online gambling addiction manifest as health problems such as low immunity, weight gain/loss, effects on food habits due to deprivation, and chronic stress.
Psychological effects: Online gambling also triggers anxiety, depression, personality disorders, insomnia headaches, sweating, nausea, racing heart, palpitations, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, muscle tension obsessions, heart attraction, and brain stroke.
Short-term effects: Consistent involvement in gambling activities may result in financial problems, feelings of regret or guilt, increased intake of alcohol or other substances, and less time or money to spend on family and recreation.
Long-term effects: Prolonged gambling could lead to long-term consequences of serious financial problems, including bankruptcy, relationship problems, poor work performance, job loss, weak overall health, legal issues, suicidal ideations, excessive intake of alcohol and other substances, and intensified feelings of guilt.
Legal Status of Online Gambling
Many countries restrict or ban online gambling where some countries welcome it. However, it is legal in some states of the United States, some provinces in Canada, most European Union countries, and several Caribbean nations.
Legal Status of Online Gambling in Bangladesh
According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 18(2) clearly stipulates that “to prevent all sorts of gambling state will adopt the effective measure”. Engaging in unauthorized gambling activities, whether offline or online, carries legal consequences under the existing laws of Bangladesh. Individuals found guilty may face fines and imprisonment, reflecting the severity with which the government views illegal gambling.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary law that governs gambling in Bangladesh. The legislation dates to the British regime, which is the primary reason for the lax penalty for gambling. And during that period, it was quite unimaginable to add any provision regarding online gambling. According to the Act, the penalty for being caught gambling is 1 month imprisonment or a small fine of BDT 100. Later the present government drafted “Gambling Prevention Act-2023” with a provision of the highest five-year imprisonment and a Tk10 lakh fine or both for online gambling which is taken as law to prevent online gambling.
Emergency Contact Numbers for Getting Support:
National Emergency Service – 999
Gov. information and service helpline: 333 (Press 8 after calling to get cyber security assistance.)
UNHCR Hotline (support related to Rohingya people in Camps) – 16670
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