Jakarta – Social Observer Devie Rachmawati said online gambling is a social cancer that can destroy the family and life of everyone who does it. Apart from that, in a larger space it can have a negative impact on the integrity of the country.
“This thing called online gambling is a social cancer. Online gambling can really paralyze a nation. Because online gambling destroys the foundation of the country, namely through the family. “If all families are fragile due to online gambling then it is only a matter of time that this country also has the potential to collapse,” said Devie while in Jakarta Thursday, 20/6/2024.
According to him, people must be wary of online gambling because it only plays with someone’s hopes or gives false hope so that they become addicted to always playing online gambling.
“People who are addicted to online gambling, at first they think it’s just a game, but because the amount they spend on average is still small, without them realizing it, it then grows,” said Devie.
“And indeed, whether it’s land gambling or air gambling, business people are serious about playing on the psychology of the players. When we start to feel frustrated then we are made to win. “So then there is hope again,” he said.
“This is what then makes it so that when hope arises, people try to seek loans to recover losses from previous losses. So what is always being played with are false hopes. Which then has no end,” he concluded.
People need to know in reality the big losses in life if they play online gambling:
1. Financial Loss
One of the most serious dangers of online gambling addiction is the risk of financial loss. People who are addicted to online gambling often spend large amounts of money on gambling.
They dare to keep spending money, even if they are on a losing streak, in the hope that they will hit a big win. As a result, online gambling players will experience financial losses which end in debt, loss of savings and even property.
2. Damages Mental Health
The next danger of online gambling addiction is that it can damage mental health. Online gambling players often experience disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression because they are unable to control their behavior. Financial losses can be the main trigger for symptoms of mental health damage.
3. Physical Health Problems
Online gambling can also have a negative impact on physical health. The stress and anxiety that may arise from gambling can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to physical health problems, such as fatigue, a compromised immune system, and additional mental health problems. In fact, chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Personal relationships are disturbed
When someone is addicted to online gambling, their personal relationships are at risk of being disrupted. Many friends, family and partners may feel uncomfortable with the gambler’s behavior which is constantly focused on gambling. Of course, this can cause conflict in the relationship which can even trigger separation.
5. Legal Issues
It cannot be denied that playing online gambling also carries the risk of legal problems. As is known, online gambling is an illegal game in Indonesia. Someone involved in online gambling may get into legal trouble and have to face fines, legal prosecution or other serious legal consequences that can damage their reputation and future.
6. Crime
Online gambling addiction also has negative social impacts. Someone who is addicted to online gambling will be trapped in gambling. They will continue to look for ways to earn extra money so they can gamble. This can lead to criminal acts, such as theft, robbery or fraud that damage public security.
7. Data Security Risks
One of the other dangers of online gambling addiction is the risk of identity theft and data security breaches. Online gambling sites often ask for sensitive personal information such as full name, address, date of birth and bank account number. If this site is hacked, the personal data of online gambling players could be misused for identity theft, fraud or other criminal activities.
For your information, the Government seriously wants to eradicate online gambling at its roots by forming an Online Gambling Eradication Task Force which includes various agencies starting from the Ministry of Coordination, Political, Legal and Security Affairs, TNI-Polri, BIN, BSSN, PPATK and other related institutions.
To date, the National Police have uncovered at least 3,975 cases and arrested 5,982 suspects, 40,642 sites have been proposed for blocking, 4,196 accounts have been frozen, and IDR 817.4 billion in assets have been confiscated.
With all the risks and bad realities we will face, are we still “willing” to sacrifice our lives just for the false hopes that online gambling always promises? Of course the answer is no.