Shift from online gaming to gambling must be put under lens

A recent report of police detention of some online gamblers from Dhaka and Sirajganj has caused furor among the conscious section of society.

Gambling equipment like computers, laptops, extra SIM cards, tablets, cash, etc.

were seized from gambling agents operating in Bangladesh on behalf of cartels based in the Russian capital Moscow.

Problematic Internet use in Bangladesh is growing so is online gaming and online gambling.

Gambling is prohibited in the country but it is being infested by the gamblers from two countries which have comparatively higher number of gamblers, gamers and betting platforms, thanks to good ties of Bangladesh with India and Russia.

According to media reports, Russia is one of the top 15 countries which have a large number of gamblers.

As per the amount of total gambling gross win, the USA is at the top with $119 billion but Russia stands at 14 with $4 billion in total gambling gross win.

India – having a border of 4096 kilometers with Bangladesh – has one of the biggest numbers of sports betting and gaming platforms.

Most of the 60 gambling agents, held by police so far, are from bordering districts like Chuadanga and Meherpur.

These virtual gamblers representing Indian Moonfrog Asia Ptv Ltd or Russian Mel Bet, 1x Bet and Bet Winner are siphoning off hundreds of crores of taka.

We urge the authorities concerned to investigate the pathways from online gaming to gambling.

They should focus on those who have free time, peer pressure, personality predisposition, etc which prompt people to resort to gaming or gambling or betting staying back at home.

Comfort and conveniences at home contribute greatly to engaging at a casino.

Guardians should watch out for their under-18 and grown-up children from staying secluded in his or her closed-door rooms.