The Perils of Online Gambling: A Growing Addiction Among Bangladeshi Youth

Online gambling is becoming a serious addiction among the youth in Bangladesh, driven by easy access through smartphones and the temptation of quick financial gain. This issue is affecting a broad demographic, including students and working professionals, as awareness of its harmful consequences remains low, similar to the lack of understanding surrounding drug addiction.

A Personal Account

Rahaat (name changed for privacy), a recent graduate from a public university, shared his experience of falling into the online gambling trap.

He explained, “I was introduced to popular platforms like 1xbet and Melbet through social media ads and friends. The promise of easy money was too tempting to resist. These sites offer a wide variety of betting options, including live sports like football, cricket, and hockey, as well as virtual games like Ludo and casino games. Sports enthusiasts are especially vulnerable, as they believe their knowledge can help them make better predictions.”

Rahaat noted that gambling addiction is prevalent across all social classes. “Even daily wage earners, such as rickshaw-pullers and shopkeepers, gamble their hard-earned money on computer-generated games. The allure of potentially doubling their income overnight often leads them to lose everything,” he said.

He also shared that these platforms initially lure users in with small wins to build trust. “Once someone becomes hooked, the losses start to accumulate. In a desperate attempt to recover, they invest more money, trapping themselves in a vicious cycle.”

Rahaat mentioned the involvement of local agents who facilitate transactions and encourage new users to join. “These agents, who earn commissions, operate in communities across the country. They promise secure transactions and even offer guidance on setting up accounts,” he said.

Women's Experience

Tania (name changed for privacy), a private university graduate, spoke about her own experience with online gambling.

“I was initially drawn to it out of curiosity and a need for extra money. I won small amounts at first, but greed took over, and I continued to deposit more. In the end, I lost everything—about Tk 50,000, most of which I had borrowed. It felt like being stuck in quicksand,” she recalled.

Tania now warns her friends about the dangers of online gambling. “Escaping is difficult, but spreading awareness is essential,” she added.

Law Enforcement’s Perspective

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Nazmul Islam, acknowledged the severity of the issue.

“Online gambling is definitely an addiction. Although the public gambling prevention act exists, enforcement is weak. Stronger laws and decisive action are needed to prevent further harm to the youth,” he said.

Shahjahan Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Division, echoed these concerns. “We lack specific legislation for cyber gambling, but addressing these issues is a key priority in the government’s new initiatives,” he stated.

The Role of Awareness

Dr. Tawohidul Haque, Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, highlighted the critical role of families in tackling this issue.

“Parents often fail to monitor their children’s online activities. Just as they would intervene in cases of drug addiction, they must be mindful of their children’s financial habits and online behavior,” he said.

Dr. Haque emphasized the importance of a collective approach, involving law enforcement, government agencies, and families. “Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public about the risks associated with online gambling,” he said.

As online gambling continues to grow unchecked, it is vital for stakeholders to act quickly. Strengthened laws, public awareness, and parental involvement are key to preventing the youth from falling victim to this modern-day addiction.