Widespread Online Gambling Among Students, Evidence of Low Community Literacy

REPUBLIC.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The prevalence of online gambling among students and young people is a worrying phenomenon that highlights the low level of financial literacy in society, according to PINA.id Financial Planner Sayoga Risdya Prasetyo.

“This phenomenon is a clear indication that financial literacy is still lacking among our society. The lack of financial knowledge makes people vulnerable to the allure of overnight wealth promised by online gambling companies,” said Sayoga in an interview with Republika.co.id on Sunday (October 8, 2023).

Sayoga emphasized that the increasing prevalence of online gambling is a cause for concern. Data from the Financial Transaction Analysis and Reporting Center (PPATK) reveals that the total value of Indonesian online gambling transactions has already reached IDR 200 trillion since the beginning of 2023.

“This figure is quite alarming given that the total value of online gambling transactions from 2017 to 2022 was IDR 190 trillion. It shows a significant increase since the start of 2023,” Sayoga added.

The situation is becoming even more distressing as online gambling is spreading among students. Sayoga has discovered cases where students not only get trapped in online gambling debts but also resort to mortgaging their parents’ assets to fuel their online gambling habits.

The consequences of this phenomenon are far-reaching and include financial problems, dropping out of college, and even the need for psychiatric therapy to address mental health issues. Sayoga attributes these issues to the lack of financial literacy in the community, which makes young people susceptible to the allure of instant wealth through online gambling.

Online gambling continues to grow, with fewer restrictions on the industry. In fact, many teenagers have started participating in online gambling activities. A personal account shared an experience of witnessing a high school boy playing slot gambling in public.

When asked how they learned about the game, the teenagers mentioned they discovered it on a YouTube channel that mainly showcased Mobile Legend content. This means that most teenagers become aware of online gambling through online platforms that promote gaming content.

It is disheartening to see teenagers, who are still psychologically vulnerable and easily influenced, engaging in online gambling activities. They tend to idolize public figures and imitate their actions without considering the potential consequences.

FAQ:

Q: What is the cause of the widespread online gambling among students?
A: The primary cause is the lack of financial literacy among the community, making young people vulnerable to the allure of quick wealth through online gambling.

Q: How much money has been involved in online gambling transactions in Indonesia?
A: Since the beginning of 2023, the total value of online gambling transactions in Indonesia has reached IDR 200 trillion.

Q: How are teenagers becoming aware of online gambling?
A: Many teenagers discover online gambling through online platforms that promote gaming content, such as YouTube channels.

Q: What are the consequences of online gambling among students?
A: The consequences include financial problems, dropping out of college, and even the need for psychiatric therapy to address mental health issues.

Q: How can society address the issue of online gambling among students?
A: Society should prioritize financial education and increase awareness about the potential risks and consequences of online gambling.