Bandipora, July 16, 2025 – In a heart-wrenching tale of loss, a young man from Bandipora district in north Kashmir has become a cautionary example of the devastating effects of online gaming addiction. Having lost approximately Rs 1.5 crore to a betting game called Aviator, the man now stands empty-handed, stripped of his life savings, two vehicles, a shop, and even his family home. This tragic story, highlighted in a viral video, has sparked widespread concern about the growing online gambling epidemic in Kashmir.
In the emotional video, the man, with tears in his eyes and a trembling voice, shared his ordeal, revealing how his addiction to online betting led to a staggering Rs 44 lakh debt and halted his daughter’s education. “It’s like a drug,” he said, describing the grip of the Aviator game that lured him into financial ruin. Pleading for help, he urged the public to support him in paying off his debts and rebuilding his shattered life.
The man’s story is not an isolated case. Online gaming addiction is emerging as a silent killer in Kashmir, preying on the youth and draining families of their financial stability. Reports indicate a rising trend of addiction to betting apps and mobile games, with devastating consequences including debt traps, family breakdowns, and even suicides. A 2023 report from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) flagged online gaming addiction as a public health crisis, linking it to anxiety, sleep disorders, and academic decline among young people.
The Bandipora man’s plea is a wake-up call for the region. “Please, I beg you, don’t fall into the trap of online games,” he said, addressing every Kashmiri. He warned that the allure of quick wins in betting games is a deceptive trap that destroys lives, leaving individuals emotionally broken and financially devastated. His message underscores the urgent need to protect Kashmir’s youth from this dark path.Community leaders and experts are now calling for action to combat the online gambling epidemic. The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has reported a surge in mental health issues linked to gaming addiction, including depression and anxiety among the youth. There is a growing demand for stricter regulations, such as uniform KYC protocols, age restrictions, and addiction management programs, to curb the unchecked spread of betting apps.
The Bandipora case has also raised concerns about the role of social media influencers who promote online betting platforms, often glamorizing them to vulnerable audiences. Authorities are being urged to crack down on such promotions and raise awareness about the risks of online gaming. The Kashmir Police and local organizations have been tagged in discussions, with calls for campaigns to educate families and students.This tragedy highlights the broader issue of youth vulnerability in Kashmir, where drugs, depression, and now online gaming addiction are threatening the future of an entire generation. Community efforts are needed to foster open conversations with children, students, and friends to steer them away from these destructive habits. As the Bandipora man’s story circulates, it serves as a stark reminder: save our youth before it’s too late.
