By: Bara Winatha*)
Online gambling has become one of the most dangerous social threats in the digital era, especially for the younger generation living in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. This phenomenon not only damages individuals’ mental and financial health but also undermines the very fabric of society. With easy access via mobile phones, aggressive promotion on social media, and seemingly entertaining content, many people are trapped in high-risk activities without realizing it. Various parties, from the government and academics to digital industry players, have warned of the massive and destructive impact of online gambling on the nation’s future. Desman S. Tarigan, Deputy for Public Order and Security at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, stated that online gambling has become a serious threat because it can create a new wave of addiction, damage household economic conditions, and even trigger social disturbances.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Jenderal Soedirman University, Prof. Slamet Rosyadi, believes that one of the biggest factors making young people vulnerable to online gambling is the strong influence of the digital environment. Young people tend to trust content from peers, influencers, and social media figures more than advice from teachers or parents. This situation makes persuasive online gambling promotional messages highly effective in reaching teenagers. Young people’s social behavior is shaped by their closest social circles, so if these environments are permissive of digital gambling practices, they are much more easily drawn into becoming active users.
The dangers of online gambling extend beyond addiction to the problem of addiction, which also leads to an increased burden of crime in society. In many cases, individuals addicted to online gambling often experience financial pressure, forcing them to seek quick ways to obtain money. This situation can lead to various crimes, such as theft, embezzlement, and even domestic violence. When savings are depleted, personal assets are sold, and loans pile up, psychological pressure increases, leading to compulsive behavior that endangers oneself and others. This situation creates a cycle of harm that is very difficult to break without serious intervention and collaboration from all elements of society.
In a digital context, algorithms in online gambling platforms are designed to keep players playing and experiencing repeated losses. GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo has explained on numerous occasions that online gambling is essentially a form of digital fraud that utilizes manipulated algorithms. Players are given small initial wins to create the illusion that their chances are high, when in fact, the system is designed to make them lose in the long run. According to Walujo, this leads many victims to feel like they are always one step away from a big win, leading them to continue spending money without realizing it.
Beyond financial problems and crime, online gambling also has widespread social impacts. At the family level, this activity often triggers prolonged conflict. Many households lose stability due to the addiction of one member. Relationships between partners deteriorate, children are neglected, and the home atmosphere becomes a battlefield. For young people, involvement in online gambling can impair concentration, lower academic performance, and erode self-confidence due to financial pressure and guilt. The value of hard work is also eroded by the instant gratification offered by gambling, thus weakening work ethic and long-term productivity.
The government and various relevant institutions have actually taken various preventative measures, ranging from blocking websites and legal action to launching digital literacy programs. However, the online gambling industry continues to adapt and rapidly create new sites and applications. Therefore, a more comprehensive approach is needed—not only in terms of regulation but also in terms of public education. Digital literacy must be strengthened so that the public can recognize manipulative motives, understand the risks, and avoid temptations that appear profitable but are actually harmful.
Prevention also requires active participation from educational institutions, parents, the digital industry, and the wider community. Schools and universities need to integrate digital literacy education and the dangers of online gambling into their curricula. Parents must better understand their children’s digital activities and establish more open communication regarding cyber risks. Digital industry players are also required to be responsible for creating a safe digital space and preventing loopholes for illegal promotion. One example of effective collaboration is the formation of an educational alliance by GoPay, Telkomsel, Google, TikTok, and Komdigi through a national movement that encourages the public to understand the significant harm online gambling can cause to the future.
Eradicating online gambling cannot rely solely on the government. Collective awareness, social awareness, and public assertiveness in rejecting the normalization of this activity are key. Online gambling is a silent threat, but its impact is real and devastating. Early education, the creation of a positive environment, and the ability to control oneself are the last lines of defense for the future of the younger generation. By maintaining digital resilience, reinforcing the value of hard work, and rejecting all forms of online gambling, society can build a healthier, safer, and more competitive environment.
*)The author is a social and community observer.