Beware of the Dangers of Online Gambling, Mental Disorders Lurking for Players

SURABAYA — Menur Mental Hospital (RSJ) Surabaya recorded a significant spike in patients with online gambling addiction disorders from January to May 2025. It was recorded that 85 patients were treated for the addiction, an increase from 68 patients in 2024.

The patients came from various regions in East Java with various age and socio-economic backgrounds, ranging from 14 to 70 years old. Some of them underwent outpatient treatment, while others were hospitalized due to quite severe conditions.

“This phenomenon is a silent epidemic that has begun to attack across ages and regions, even to remote villages,” said the President Director of Menur Mental Hospital, Vitria Dewi.

“Even patients in the severe category can be said to be in the depression category, and the direction can be criminal. Because they no longer think clearly, what is good and bad,” added Vitria.

She emphasized the importance of the role of the family in building the psychological resilience of children and family members as the first line of defense. According to him, the problem of online gambling is not only related to technology, but is closely related to social and mental resilience.

“There must be cross-sector collaboration, especially the important role of parents in controlling,” he explained.

The spread of online gambling addiction cases does not only occur in urban areas, but also reaches rural areas. Treatment for this addiction cannot be done instantly because it involves brain function and behavioral changes.

“Rehabilitation requires a long and multi-layered process,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of the Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya, Mundakir, also highlighted this condition. According to him, online gambling addiction can trigger severe emotional disorders, such as in the case of a 17-year-old teenager who went on a rampage in the ER due to addiction.

“The case of a 17-year-old who went on a rampage in the ER shows how quickly and severely online gambling can damage mental health,” said Mundakir.

He reminded that easy access and the lure of instant profits are the main attractions that trap people into the addictive circle of online gambling. *