Indian Matka Gambling Addiction on the Rise, Raising Social and Economic Alarms

India is experiencing an epidemic of Matka gambling addiction, an illegal lottery game originating in Mumbai, that has spread all over the country. Experts attribute that extensive use of mobile phones and online Matka websites have further made the game easy, especially among young people and econo...

India is experiencing an epidemic of Matka gambling addiction, an illegal lottery game originating in Mumbai, that has spread all over the country. Experts attribute that extensive use of mobile phones and online Matka websites have further made the game easy, especially among young people and economically weaker sections of society. Addiction is fueling the growing financial woes, family conflicts, and even organized crime connections. Despite periodic police crackdowns, Matka's illegal networks continue to be robust, exploiting legal loopholes and social vulnerabilities. Rehabilitation centers are witnessing a surge in cases related to gambling, and mental health professionals emphasize the urgent need for awareness campaigns and stricter controls. Social organizations and some state governments are calling for full-scale policies to curb Matka's spread, including digital monitoring and community engagement. The trend is part of the broader challenge of dealing with gambling addiction in India's rapidly digitizing society. Source: Chiang Rai Times