An 18‑year‑old boy in Telangana died by suicide after losing a significant amount of money on an online betting app, highlighting the growing harm of gambling addiction among India’s youth.
The incident is the latest in a string of tragedies linked to easy access to betting and gaming platforms that lure users with the promise of quick money but often lead to debt and despair.
Teenager’s Suicide After Losing Rs 1 Lakh
The victim, identified as Vikram, was a resident of Kandukur in the Sangareddy district. Police said he lost Rs 1 lakh on an online betting platform, pushing him into distress.
Unable to cope, Vikram consumed insecticide and was rushed to a local hospital by his family. He died during treatment. A case has been registered with the local police as authorities begin probing the circumstances surrounding his death.
Growing Trend of Betting‑Linked Suicides
Vikram’s death follows several similar cases across India this year. In Hyderabad, 24‑year‑old taxi driver Paladugu Sai ended his life amid mounting debt from online betting, police said. Sai had run up a massive liability, borrowing money from friends and through loans to continue gambling, leaving him with about Rs 15 lakh in debt.
In Madhya Pradesh, a 32‑year‑old civil contractor allegedly died by suicide after losing nearly Rs 30 lakh in an online game. Police recovered a note saying he borrowed heavily to fund his play on the Aviator platform.
Police in other parts of the country have also linked gambling addiction to suicide. A 25‑year‑old petrol pump worker in Nizamabad previously took his life after losing at least Rs 5 lakh through bets, and similar losses have been reported among youths across Telangana.
Online Betting Addiction: Easy Access, Easy Losses
Experts and authorities say aggressive marketing tactics by betting platforms draw in young users with enticing ads and promises of quick money. Despite bans in states like Telangana, users often circumvent restrictions through VPNs and other methods.
The Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau has recorded a sharp rise in online betting complaints, with financial losses and reported addiction cases increasing significantly this year.
Many victims borrow money from friends, relatives, or lenders to sustain their betting habit, driving them deeper into financial trouble. When losses mount, feelings of helplessness can push vulnerable users toward drastic actions.
Mental Health and Family Impact
Families of victims are often left devastated by both emotional trauma and financial ruin. In cases like Vikram’s, relatives witness firsthand the toll that gambling addiction can take on young people before a tragedy occurs.
Mental health professionals warn that betting addiction can trigger severe psychological distress, especially when compounded by debt and social isolation. Support networks in communities and access to counselling are crucial to prevent further loss of life.
Calls for Stronger Oversight
Lawmakers and civil society groups have repeatedly urged governments to tighten regulations and enforce existing bans on betting apps more effectively. There are growing calls for stricter penalties for illegal operators and for technology companies to block access to banned platforms.
Some advocates also want public education campaigns to highlight the risks of online gambling, particularly among students and young adults.