Hyderabad Youth Trapped in Dangerous Spiral of Online Gambling and High-Risk Trading
Mental health professionals in Hyderabad are sounding the alarm about a disturbing trend sweeping through the city's youth population. The allure of quick financial gains is driving a growing number of students and young professionals into a perilous cycle of online gambling and speculative trading, with devastating consequences for their mental well-being and financial stability.
Sharp Surge in Addiction Cases Reported
Psychologists and psychiatrists across Hyderabad report witnessing a dramatic increase—nearly three to four times in recent months—in young individuals seeking professional help for addiction to online betting applications and high-risk trading platforms. The majority of those affected fall within the 20 to 35 age bracket, representing college students and early-career professionals who are particularly vulnerable to these modern financial traps.
Many only reach out for therapeutic intervention after experiencing severe life disruptions, including job losses, complete depletion of personal savings, and accumulation of massive debts that often run into lakhs of rupees, with some cases escalating to crores. The financial devastation frequently serves as the wake-up call that forces individuals to confront their addictive behaviors.
Personal Stories of Devastation
One 28-year-old technology professional shared his harrowing journey, revealing how he lost approximately 70 lakh rupees over just a couple of years through online gambling. "I will stop gambling online after I recover this amount," he stated, demonstrating the distorted thinking patterns common among those struggling with addiction. His mother eventually brought him to psychiatric care after friends alerted her to his escalating borrowing habits and deepening depression.
The young man had been channeling his substantial monthly salary of around 3 lakh rupees, supplemented by additional funds borrowed from friends and digital lending applications, directly into multiple gambling platforms on his mobile device. "Initially, I told my parents that I am saving my salary in fixed deposits and SIPs to buy a home, and they were proud of me," he confessed. "Now, even if I am just browsing on the phone, they assume that I am gambling and constantly monitor my activities. I feel suffocated."
Career and Academic Consequences
In another particularly severe case, a 30-year-old technology professional accumulated debts totaling 1.5 crore rupees after diving into futures and options trading alongside online gambling activities. His addiction became so consuming that it directly impacted his professional performance, ultimately costing him his employment. "Right now, I am trying to rebuild my life. I got another job," he added, highlighting the challenging recovery process.
The problem extends beyond working professionals to students as well, with many initially drawn to these platforms to earn supplemental pocket money or purchase gifts, only to find themselves battling full-blown addiction. A 20-year-old woman described her experience with a boyfriend whose lavish gifting initially suggested wealth but was later revealed to be funded through online gambling. "When my boyfriend was showering me with gifts, I thought he was from a well-to-do family," she explained. "But, after seeing his house and meeting his parents, I realised that he came from a humble background. When I questioned him repeatedly, he confessed that he gambles online." Her suspicions had grown as his academic performance deteriorated and he displayed constant distraction.
Psychological Insights and Contributing Factors
Psychologist Devika Rani notes that many affected individuals come from middle and upper-middle-class backgrounds, drawn by the promise of rapid financial success. "They are attracted by the opportunity to earn quick money and are getting trapped and addicted," she observed, emphasizing that peer influence plays a significant role in normalizing these risky behaviors.
Neuropsychiatrist Charan Teja Koganti identifies easy mobile access as a primary catalyst for this epidemic. "Many are starting as it feels harmless and can be easily accessed," he explained. "Before they realise, they are getting addicted and finding it hard to come out." He reports that comprehensive treatment approaches combining professional counseling with appropriate medication are proving effective in helping many individuals recover from these destructive patterns.
The convergence of technological accessibility, societal pressure for financial success, and psychological vulnerability has created a perfect storm affecting Hyderabad's youth. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of early intervention, increased awareness about the risks associated with online gambling and speculative trading, and stronger support systems to help young adults navigate financial opportunities without falling into addictive traps.
