11 Apr 2023 ONLINE GAMBLING
ONLINE GAMBLING
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs for UPSC” and the topic details “Online Gambling”. Online Gambling. The topic “Online Gambling” has relevance in the “Polity and Governance” section for the UPSC CSE exam.
Online Gambling
For Prelims:
What is Online Gambling?
For Mains:
GS 2: Polity and Governance
What are the issues with Online Gambling?
What are the steps taken by the government to regulate Online Gambling?
Why in the news?
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Monday granted his assent to the re-adopted Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022. The Governor had earlier returned the Bill, following which the Assembly re-adopted it and sent it to the Raj Bhavan.
What are the key features of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022.?
- It prohibits online gambling and online games of chance.
- It establishes the TN Online Gaming Authority and empowers it to regulate online game providers.
- The TN Gaming Authority may identify games of chance and recommend them to be included in the Schedule of prohibited games.
What is Online Gambling?
Online gambling refers to any form of gambling that takes place over the Internet, such as online casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, and other games of chance.
With the growth of the internet, online gambling has become increasingly popular, as it allows people to play from the comfort of their own homes. There are a wide variety of online gambling sites and games available, and players can typically access them from their computers, smartphones, or other mobile devices.
Why is Online Gambling getting popular among youth?
For any game of chance, the three factors associated are; the excitement it brings, avenues of recreation, and the probability of winning money.
There are several factors that contribute to the popularity of online gambling among youth and other age groups. Here are some possible reasons:
- The convenience of home surroundings.
- The proliferation of the Internet.
- Peer Pressure
- Advertisements on social media and other related forums.
- Escape route for depression and boredom.
What is the issue related to Online Gambling?
While online gambling can be a fun and potentially lucrative activity, it can also be harmful and lead to other issues.
- Addiction: Online gambling can be highly addictive, especially for young individuals. With the already dependent nature of income, they can turn to other wrong means to generate income. Instances of kidnapping, and stealing are rampant among youth even from well-off families.
- Fraud and Scams: Online gambling scams and fraudulent websites can take advantage of the vulnerability of people. They are also blackmailed and coerced online.
- Underage Gambling: Online gambling can hamper the academic areas where they may not able to concentrate to the best of their ability.
- Social isolation: The pre-existing addiction to cell phones coupled with chances of earning money can lead an individual to waste their major time with less productivity in Online gambling.
- Financial issues: In a game of chance or luck like online gambling there are probabilities that one may spend money with meager chances of gaining it back. This leads to a cycle when a person in an effort to win may end up sling more.
What can be done to reduce Online Gambling?
- Strong support system and a well-structured treatment: The role of the family becomes important to provide a support system so that their ward is not inclined to online gambling.
- Minimal and restricted use of online devices: There is a need to restrict and minimally use online devices by blocking access to online gambling platforms, uninstalling apps, and avoiding visiting those websites.
- Other avenues of passing time: The cultivation of hobbies to get rid of boredom can trigger the escape mechanism. One can involve themselves in reading writing, brain games, etc.
- Proper management of stress through meditation: People experience stress that pushes them to relieve themselves through online gaming. An analogy can be made with smoking where a person under stress thinks he can bring calmness through cigarettes.
Way Forward
The recent step taken by the Tamil Nadu government should be welcomed in the spirit that it aims to deter the youth from the scourge of online gambling. There is a need to sensitize the school and family systems to reduce the isolation gap in students which may be pushing them to resort to such activities.
Source:
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