Debt and distress: youth caught in cricket betting trap

Key Takeaways

• Cricket has been a fan-favourite sport in India for decades.
• However, this indulgence has undergone a dramatic transformation, with many people getting involved in betting and gambling.
• From cricket grounds to mobile screens, what was once restricted to a few metropolitan cities and underground bookies has now expanded into an international network operating through mobile apps, websites, cryptocurrencies, and social media platforms.
• The rise of online platforms has made gambling and betting easily accessible, with punters and agents targeting people through mobile applications and digital channels.
• Police state that unemployed youth, students, and daily wage earners are among the most vulnerable groups being targeted.