Online Gambling Addiction Causes Financial Losses and Mental Problems
JAKARTA – The phenomenon of online gambling addiction is increasingly worrying because it not only causes financial losses, but also has a serious impact on people’s mental health.
Psychiatrist at Banyumas Regional Hospital, dr. Hilma Paramita, Sp.KJ, emphasized that online gambling cannot be considered trivial.
“This game damages more than just personal finances. Many patients who come experience severe anxiety, depression, and even the desire to end their lives,” he said.
Based on the latest data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the turnover of money from online gambling activities in Indonesia has continued to increase significantly in recent years.
In 2024, the turnover of funds reached IDR 900 trillion, and increased again in 2025 to reach IDR 1,200 trillion.
However, there was a decrease in the turnover of funds in the first quarter of 2025 by 47 trillion compared to the same period the previous year.
Further explained by dr. Hilma, Online Gambling works with an algorithm that makes players continue to be motivated to play.
“They continue to pursue victory or avenge defeat, creating an illusion that is difficult to let go of,” he said.
This addiction is strengthened by the release of dopamine in the brain when gambling, which triggers a sensation of euphoria.
A psychiatric expert from the Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, dr. Taufik Hidayanto, Sp.KJ, highlighted the serious impact of Online Gambling on people’s mental health.
“Online Gambling is a very tempting business for perpetrators, but behind it there are many families who are destroyed by losses and mental stress,” said dr. Taufik.
He explained that this pressure can give rise to various behavioral disorders. “This triggers behavioral disorders such as impulsivity, anger, and even suicidal thoughts,” he said.
As a treatment step, dr. Taufik emphasized the need for medical intervention before patients undergo further therapy.
“Antiexiety drugs and antidepressants can help stabilize the patient’s condition so that they can continue to psychological therapy,” he explained.
According to him, the use of psychiatric drugs is very much needed to suppress symptoms of impulsiveness and depression.
In addition to medical, family support and public education are very important.
Applications that limit playing time and alternative activities such as sports can help prevent addiction.
Financial planner Andy Nugroho reminds us that this addiction often forces individuals to sell assets or even steal in order to gamble.
“Losing money, families breaking up, and it can even lead to criminal acts,” he said.
He emphasized that gambling is not an investment, but a game that only relies on luck.
“Investment has a logical basis. Gambling only brings losses,” he said.
