Bengaluru Students Rally for Ban on Online Gambling

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Students from government colleges in Bengaluru staged a peaceful rally demanding a strict ban on online gambling. The protest took place on February 19, 2025, with students raising concerns about the increasing addiction and financial losses associated with online gambling platforms.

According to a report from Deccan Herald, over 800 students from the Government First Grade College, Kengeri, participated in the rally. Yeshwantpur MLA ST Somashekar also joined the march, which covered about four kilometers from Kengeri Satellite Town to Hoysala Circle. The protestors held placards and chanted slogans against online gambling while urging the government to take immediate action.

Students Raise Alarm Over Online Gambling Risks, Urge Government Action

The students highlighted the negative impact of online gambling on youth, including academic failure, mental health issues, and debt traps. They emphasized that easy access to gambling apps through smartphones has worsened the situation. The protestors also stated that many families have gone bankrupt due to gambling losses and that youth are increasingly turning to anti-social activities.

A recent incident further highlighted the dangers of online gambling. The tragic death of a 45-year-old truck driver, S Tamil Mani, from Namakkal district, highlighted the dangers of online gambling. Tamil Mani died by suicide after losing Rs 75 lakh through online gambling. His addiction to online rummy and cricket betting led to mounting debts, forcing him to take the extreme step. This incident reflected the devastating consequences of gambling addiction and the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies.

Students also pointed out that victims of online gambling often fall into cycles of borrowing from private lenders to cover losses. This not only affects the individual but also places financial strain on families, sometimes resulting in property loss or mental health struggles. They stressed that without intervention, more families could face similar hardships.

The rally concluded peacefully, with organizers expressing hope that the state government would address their concerns promptly. As online gambling continues to rise, students remain committed to advocating for stronger regulations and protections for vulnerable users.

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