Concern grows in Jammu & Kashmir as youth face financial crisis due to online gambling addiction. JKCSF calls for an immediate ban.
The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) has issued a strong call for the immediate ban of online gambling platforms in the region, citing a significant rise in youth addiction.
The coalition of non-profit organizations expressed deep concern over the growing number of young people facing financial distress due to excessive online gambling.
Abdul Qayoom Wani, chairman of the JKCSF, emphasized that this issue transcends individual problems and has become a societal crisis. "Online gambling is trapping our youth," he stated, urging the government to take swift action to protect the vulnerable population.
Reports from local media indicate that a significant portion of the affected demographic consists of young men, particularly students and those from lower-income households, who are drawn to the allure of quick financial gains offered by these platforms.
Wani further advocated for reforms in government loan and subsidy programs, highlighting their current complexity as a barrier for young entrepreneurs. He proposed that streamlining these programs could encourage youth to pursue legitimate business ventures, thereby diverting their attention away from the destructive path of online gambling.
Online gambling in India presents a complex legal and social landscape. While there is the Public Gambling Act of 1867 which prohibits gambling, state laws vary significantly, creating a patchwork of regulations. Some states permit certain games of skill, while others ban online gambling altogether. The distinction between games of skill and games of chance plays a crucial role in determining legality.
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