In a significant shift, more Bengalureans are actively seeking help for gambling addiction, no longer waiting for therapy to unearth it as a hidden issue. According to mental health professionals, guilt, helplessness, and plummeting self-esteem are driving individuals—especially men in their 20s and 30s—to seek timely intervention.
CM Siddaramaiah recently raised alarm over the growing menace of online betting, particularly among youth, hinting at a possible ban on betting apps. A Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) International report also warned of illegal apps luring in minors with little regard for identity checks.
At Becoming Shanta, psychologist Nithya J Rao notes that family members usually initiate the intervention, and most clients agree to treatment only during personal crises. The average age of those seeking help has dropped from 45 to 29.
Cadabams Hospital in JP Nagar attributes 15% of OPD cases and up to 10% of rehab admissions to gambling. The IPL season sees a spike in calls. From men losing ₹40 lakh in a day, to family members pushed to the brink by loan sharks, the consequences are devastating.
At NIMHANS’ SHUT Clinic, many arrive after years of failed attempts to quit. Therapists recount clients who’ve lost crores, switched to fantasy gaming, and even sold property or borrowed from family to chase losses.
Experts recommend early detection, firm yet empathetic family support, and long-term therapy that addresses both emotional triggers and behavioural cycles. Recovery is possible, but it requires patience, persistence—and often, a full reboot of one’s lifestyle.
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