Digital gaming and betting have become increasingly accessible, especially in a hyper-connected city like Mumbai. With the proliferation of smartphones and targeted social media ads, more young adults are being drawn into online platforms that blur the line between entertainment and addiction. What starts as a harmless pastime often escalates into compulsive behavior with serious emotional and financial repercussions.

Personal Stories from the Edge

What began as casual gaming during school holidays quickly spiraled into a full-blown addiction for 23-year-old Shoaib Shaikh. The Mumbai resident recently shared his personal journey to recovery, hoping it will resonate with others battling similar issues. His story reflects a growing concern around compulsive digital behavior, especially among youth navigating stress and isolation.

Shoaib's struggles didn’t end with video games. Like many others, he was lured by the promise of quick earnings through betting platforms, eventually spending real money at online casinos. Before he knew it, the initially harmless fun turned into financial and emotional turmoil. He notes how easily players fall into the trap of gambling as a means to earn money, rather than treating it as occasional entertainment—a shift that can have dangerous consequences.

Another telling example is that of Shweta, a young professional whose casual engagement with online casino games escalated into a near-tragic ordeal. Initially enticed by the thrill and quick wins, she quickly found herself in debt, borrowing money and eventually attempting suicide. Her story shows the psychological grip these platforms can have and the lack of early intervention mechanisms for users slipping into addiction.

Expert Insights and the Need for Regulation

According to consultant psychiatrist Dr. Avinash De Sousa, such cases are part of a broader trend of process addictions, which include compulsive gaming and gambling. These behaviors often mask deeper issues like depression or impulsivity, requiring clinical treatment and family support. He stresses the importance of therapy and limiting access to money and the internet as part of the recovery process.

Legal experts also highlight significant regulatory gaps. The Public Gambling Act, rooted in colonial law, does not adequately address the modern digital gambling ecosystem. While recent amendments to the Information Technology Rules provide some oversight at the national level, state laws continue to vary, leading to inconsistent enforcement. Cybercrime lawyers have flagged dubious practices by some gaming apps, such as forcing users to redeem winnings through offshore platforms or cryptocurrency, potentially exposing them to financial and legal risks.

Designing for Dependency

The structural design of these platforms also contributes to their addictive nature. As Sonali Patankar from Responsible Netism points out, elements like color schemes and user interface layouts are deliberately engineered to maximize user engagement and retention, often at the cost of mental well-being. Without strict design regulations, these platforms exploit cognitive vulnerabilities, particularly among younger users.

Breaking the Silence

The common thread in these narratives is the delayed acknowledgment of a problem and the absence of open dialogue. Both Shoaib and Shweta emphasized the importance of speaking out before the consequences become irreversible. Their experiences point to an urgent need for awareness, better regulation, and accessible mental health resources to help individuals recognize and confront their digital dependencies.