Betting apps
Betting apps are increasing in popularity among youth. People of all ages play games on these apps while betting real money. Hundreds of games, with different varieties, are available on each betting app. Creative programmers design the algorithms of these apps to manipulate the users to extract money. Regular users fall into a vicious cycle where they add more money to the bets placed to try and recover their losses.
People greedy for short-term profits lose thousands. This also takes a terrible toll on the minds of individuals, leading to anxiety and depression. With easy access to cell phones and the internet, online gambling has increased in popularity rapidly.
These apps invest millions in advertising and marketing. Today, everyone is active on social media platforms, so directly, or indirectly, they are exposed to these marketing strategies and advertisements. Although the apps are illegal in many countries, they still operate. Their addiction is worse compared to social media, as these apps manipulate people to seize money.
Celebrity endorsement of these apps is another factor contributing to their promotion among youth. They earn a good sum of money from advertisements while throwing their loyal audience to the impasse of gambling. These apps should be monitored in the legal framework. Stricter monitoring and tighter control of these apps is the duty of the government to save the public from addiction to gambling and betting. The Gambling Act of 1977, strictly prohibits any form of gambling except state-offered lotteries and horse racing. FIA is responsible for illegal online activities, including online gambling and betting apps. PTA is accountable for the blockage and access to websites and apps, including those related to illegal betting or gambling activities. Working collectively, they can play a robust role in tackling this issue.
Hassan Raza
Larkana
