These games are like drugs,” says victim; burdened with Rs 44 lakh debt, daughter’s education disrupted, appeals for public caution
Srinagar: In a tragic case of online gaming addiction leading to financial collapse, a man from Bandipora district in north Kashmir has reportedly lost over Rs 1.5 crore on gambling apps, rendering his family homeless and burdened under a staggering debt of Rs 44 lakh.
In a widely circulated video appeal on social media, the emotionally distressed man shared his ordeal, urging others—particularly the youth—not to fall prey to the lure of online betting. He likened the addiction to a “drug” that ruined his life.
Introduced to betting apps like BC Game, Avator, and Chicken Road by a friend who assured him they could solve his financial problems, the man instead found himself spiraling into debt. “My friend said it would end my problems. Instead, it ended everything I had,” he lamented.He admitted that the borrowing began only after his addiction took root. “It didn’t start because of illness or emergencies. I borrowed money after I got hooked. The addiction pushed me into a debt cycle. Now I owe Rs 44 lakh and own nothing,” he said.
What began as small bets of Rs 100 and Rs 500 escalated quickly. “I started selling everything—my home, my vehicles, all my belongings—just to keep playing,” he recalled.
His daughter’s education has also been severely impacted. She had to leave her NEET coaching in Srinagar due to the mounting financial pressure. “Her monthly fee was just Rs 8,500. But even that became unaffordable,” he said with a heavy heart.
In his appeal, he urged, “Do whatever you want with me, but please support my children. These online games are not harmless entertainment—they are addictive traps. Once you’re in, it’s hard to get out.”
Mental health professionals warn this case highlights a rising mental health crisis tied to digital gambling. “People under financial or emotional distress are particularly susceptible,” a Srinagar-based psychiatrist noted. “These apps exploit the brain’s reward circuits, creating the same addiction pattern seen with drugs.”
Cybersecurity experts pointed out that many of these apps operate in murky legal zones, often hosted abroad and using cryptocurrency for transactions—making regulation a challenge. “They aggressively target youth via social media using fake success stories and flashy ads,” said a cyber expert.
Experts are calling for stricter cyber laws, enhanced financial awareness, and grassroots-level education campaigns in regional languages to address the issue.
As the man’s video continues to gain traction, public empathy and calls for assistance are growing. Many have demanded stronger regulation of betting platforms and rehabilitation mechanisms for digital gambling victims.
I didn’t lose Rs 1.5 crore in a single day—it was slow, gradual drowning,” the man said. “If my story can prevent even one person from taking the same path, maybe this pain will mean something.
