By: Tariq Gibran
Online gambling has become a real threat to society. Its impact is not only felt by individuals who suffer financial losses but also leads to broader social issues. The rampant promotion of online gambling further worsens the situation, trapping many people in the illusion of instant profit, which ultimately results in economic and mental destruction. Therefore, joint collaboration is needed to eradicate this crime.
The phenomenon of online gambling is increasingly alarming, as seen by the numerous online gambling contents circulating on various digital platforms. Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono, for instance, revealed that he too became a victim due to the misuse of his content to promote online gambling without his permission. In addition, the comment sections on his social media were flooded with spam promoting gambling. Pandji believes that society actually has wider access to information about the dangers of online gambling and the stories of its victims. Therefore, he urges all parties to unite in reporting ads and promotions of online gambling to eradicate them comprehensively.
In addition to harming individuals financially, online gambling also has serious psychological effects. Many victims get caught in a cycle of addiction, constantly hoping for big wins, only to fall deeper into debt and economic ruin. Acting Chairman of the PKK Team of West Kalimantan, Windy Prihastari Harisson, emphasized that online gambling not only threatens individual welfare but also disturbs social security. Efforts to combat it, such as closing sites or blocking accounts, should be appreciated, but the root problem lies in the high addiction to online gambling.
The concrete steps taken by the government in fighting online gambling include enhanced surveillance, stricter law enforcement, and educating the public. Digital literacy campaigns are one of the main solutions expected to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of online gambling.
Windy Prihastari, Acting Chairman of the PKK Team of West Kalimantan, stressed that the public needs to be more prudent in using technology to avoid falling into the illusion of instant profit offered by online gambling. Improving understanding of digital literacy can be the first line of defense in preventing the spread of online gambling practices.
Apart from education, another issue to address is the proliferation of online gambling ads that frequently appear on various digital platforms. Director of Cybersecurity Research at CISSREC, Pratama Persadha, explained that the spread of online gambling ads is not accidental but a result of marketing strategies exploiting regulatory gaps in the digital ecosystem. Online gambling providers use algorithms to target users who have previously searched for information about gambling or online loans, making them the primary target for such ads.
With the increasing sophistication of digital technology, the spread of online gambling ads has become more massive and difficult to control. Digital platform algorithms continue to study user behavior, so individuals who have accessed or searched for gambling-related information will increasingly receive similar ads. This adds to the challenge of eradicating online gambling, as it becomes harder for people to avoid exposure to gambling promotions.
In facing this issue, collaboration between the government, society, and digital platforms is crucial. The government needs to continue tightening regulations and enhancing oversight of the content circulating in cyberspace. Meanwhile, society also plays a significant role in reporting and rejecting any form of online gambling promotion they encounter. Collective awareness and social concern are key factors in fighting the rampant online gambling in Indonesia.
Furthermore, the role of families is also vital in preventing family members from falling into online gambling. Parents and other family members need to be more proactive in educating their children and teenagers about the dangers of online gambling. A family environment that fosters open communication and emotional support can be the first line of defense in preventing the younger generation from being lured into the traps of online gambling.
The education sector also plays a major role in raising awareness about the dangers of online gambling. Schools and universities can incorporate digital literacy materials and the negative impacts of gambling into their curricula. Not only that, the media also has a responsibility to present educational information regarding the dangers of online gambling. With transparent reporting on online gambling cases and real stories of victims, it is hoped that the public will become more aware of the threats posed by this illegal practice.
In facing this great challenge, small steps taken by each individual can make a significant impact. From resisting the temptation to try online gambling, reporting gambling ads or promotions encountered, to educating those around us about the dangers of online gambling, all of these are valuable contributions in the effort to eradicate this illegal practice.
Therefore, it is time for all elements of society to unite in fighting online gambling. No one can work alone in addressing this issue. With cooperation between the government, society, the media, the education sector, and digital platforms, we can create a safer environment free from the traps of online gambling. Every small step taken will bring about a big change in creating an Indonesia free from online gambling.
*) The author is a contributor to the Center for Media and Information Literacy
