Mental health organizations across South Asia report a rise in youth suicides tied to online gambling losses. In Bangladesh and India, students and job seekers fall into debt after losing borrowed money through betting apps.
Families often discover the addiction only after tragedy strikes. Victims leave behind notes referencing massive losses or threats from loan apps used to fund gambling.
Mental health advocates are demanding urgent integration of digital addiction therapy into school counseling programs. They also urge tighter controls on online betting ads targeting young people.
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