By: Agung Pribadi )*
Online gambling has become a serious threat to society, not only economically but also socially, morally, and mentally. The rapid development of technology has made access to digital gambling platforms easier, causing many individuals, including the younger generation, to fall into this practice. The government continues to make efforts to eradicate online gambling to protect the public from its negative impacts.
One of the main reasons online gambling is rampant is the ease of access through digital devices and the increasing variety of payment methods. This allows anyone to engage in gambling activities without significant obstacles. An academic from Gadjah Mada University, I Wayan Nuka Lantara, revealed that online gambling gives the illusion of big profits with small capital, attracting many people to try their luck. Unfortunately, most players end up losing, which drives them to deposit even more money in hopes of recovering their previous losses.
From an economic perspective, the impact of online gambling is highly detrimental. Many individuals use their personal or even family funds for gambling, ultimately causing financial imbalances in households. In some cases, people addicted to online gambling sacrifice basic necessities such as food, education, and healthcare in pursuit of uncertain winnings. This situation creates a new cycle of poverty that affects overall consumer purchasing power.
Furthermore, the country also suffers significant losses due to the circulation of money within the online gambling sector. Money that should be used for productive economic activities is instead drained into gambling systems, most of which are controlled by foreign operators. This creates an economic leakage that harms the nation’s finances. According to economic analysis, the country’s losses due to online gambling reach hundreds of trillions of rupiah, an amount that could have been allocated for infrastructure development, education, and public welfare.
The social impact of online gambling is also alarming. Many families are torn apart due to gambling addiction. Household disputes increase, and in some cases, violence occurs due to the financial pressure caused by gambling habits. The Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Nyai Badriyah Fayumi, emphasized that online gambling not only violates religious teachings but also causes severe damage to social life.
Additionally, the psychological impact cannot be ignored. Psychologist Mirta Yolanda explained that online gambling addiction can lead to mental health disorders such as severe stress, anxiety, and depression. Many gamblers experience emotional distress due to continuous losses, which can eventually lead to extreme actions such as suicide. There have been numerous cases where individuals, overwhelmed by debt from online gambling, feel hopeless and choose to end their lives as a way out.
On a broader scale, online gambling also contributes to increased crime rates. Many individuals who lose everything due to gambling resort to shortcuts such as theft, fraud, or other criminal acts to obtain money and continue gambling. If this situation remains unaddressed, social stability may be at risk.
Given the devastating effects, the government continues to tighten monitoring and enforcement against online gambling practices. The police have collaborated with various parties, including Interpol and law enforcement agencies from neighboring countries, to dismantle international networks operating in Indonesia. Strict measures are also implemented through asset tracing to seize properties acquired from illegal activities.
In addition to legal actions, education and prevention are crucial in tackling online gambling issues. The government is encouraged to intensify public awareness campaigns about the dangers of digital gambling, especially among the younger generation. Academics like I Wayan Nuka Lantara suggest that universities and schools should play a role in educating students about the financial and psychological risks posed by online gambling.
On the other hand, society also needs to be more aware of the lurking dangers. Family and community environments are expected to provide support for individuals who have fallen into online gambling addiction. Many cases of gambling addiction can be addressed through early intervention and proper psychological assistance. Therefore, cooperation between the government, educational institutions, and society is the key to eradicating online gambling from its roots.
With various strategic measures in place, Indonesia is expected to be free from the threats posed by online gambling, which has harmed many parties. The government must continue to strengthen law enforcement, improve regulations, and increase public awareness so that online gambling is no longer a threat to the nation’s economic stability, social well-being, and mental health. If all elements of society unite against online gambling, its adverse effects can be minimized, and Indonesia can move towards a healthier and more prosperous future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Golden Forum.
