by Ajay Kumar
Lucknow: Ramesh was an ordinary young man from a middle-class family. He worked at a private company in the city for a modest salary and lived a content life with his small family. His daily routine revolved around going to work, returning home, and occasionally having tea with friends. But a few months ago, a colleague introduced him to an online Ludo app. Initially, Ramesh saw it as merely a means of entertainment. After work or during his free time, he would play Ludo with friends or strangers, sometimes even placing small bets.
At first, everything seemed exciting and fun. The joy of winning and the slight disappointment of losing brought a new color to his otherwise monotonous life. Gradually, Ramesh became addicted to the game. He began playing Ludo secretly even during work hours and started spending less time with his family. His wife often complained that he wasn’t the same person anymore and was always glued to his phone. Ramesh ignored her concerns, obsessed with winning the next game.
One day, Ramesh wagered his entire monthly salary on a big bet. He was confident he would win, but luck didn’t favor him, and he lost badly. The loss shook him to his core. He couldn’t figure out how to manage the household or what to tell his wife. He lost sleep and became constantly irritable and depressed. Ramesh was not alone in falling into the trap of online Ludo. The trend of online Ludo is rapidly growing in India, especially among the youth and lower-income groups. Its easy availability and the temptation of making quick money have ensnared millions. It is no longer just a game it has become a kind of addiction that is ruining lives.
There are several dangers associated with online Ludo that need serious attention. The first is the risk of forming a habit that turns into an addiction. The game is so attractive and easy that people become hooked very quickly. The constant urge to play and the hope of winning each time force players to stay glued to their screens for hours, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. Lack of sleep, eye strain, stress, and anxiety become common problems.
The second major threat is financial loss. Online Ludo often involves betting money. The lure of winning drives people to risk their savings, even taking loans to place bets. Losing leads to heavy financial losses and worsens the family’s economic condition. Several cases have come to light where individuals, burdened with debt, have resorted to suicide.
The third danger is social isolation. People addicted to online Ludo start distancing themselves from family and friends. They lose touch with the real world and remain lost in the virtual realm. This weakens their social relationships and leads to loneliness.
The fourth threat is fraud and scams. Many incidents have been reported on online Ludo platforms where players are cheated. Some apps operate illegally and extort money from users. Additionally, some players use hacking or unfair means to defeat others, causing honest players to suffer.
This raises the crucial question how can we control the growing threat of online Ludo? There is a need for action on multiple levels. First, people must be made aware of the dangers of online Ludo. For this, the government and non-governmental organizations should run awareness campaigns. Schools and colleges should educate students about its negative effects. The media can also play an important role in this direction. People need to understand that this is not just a source of entertainment, but a serious addiction that can ruin their lives.
Furthermore, it is essential to bring online Ludo platforms under legal regulation. The government should frame laws and regulations to monitor these platforms and protect the interests of players. Apps that promote betting should be banned. There should be a licensing and regulatory framework for online gaming platforms to prevent fraud and scams.
Online Ludo apps should include features that allow users to set limits on their gameplay and encourage regular breaks. There should be warning systems in the apps to alert players when they are playing excessively or losing too much money. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to detect early signs of addiction and provide timely support to users.
It is equally important to provide mental health support to those already addicted to online Ludo. The government should establish de-addiction centers and helpline numbers where such individuals can seek help. Families and friends should support these individuals and help them break free from the addiction. In addition, parents must monitor their children’s online activities. They should ensure that their children are not getting addicted to online Ludo or any other harmful game. Children should be encouraged to limit screen time and participate in creative activities.
Meanwhile, reports of legal action against star promoters of online Ludo and other online games have surfaced in several states. In September 2024, the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) initiated legal proceedings against around half a dozen YouTubers, Instagram influencers, and a private firm for promoting online betting and gambling. TNOGA issued show-cause notices to these social media figures, and when unsatisfied with their responses, initiated legal action at the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Saidapet. If found guilty, they could face fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh and up to three years in prison. According to reports, some film celebrities who were previously involved in promoting online betting and gambling through social media are also under investigation.
In conclusion, Ramesh’s story is a warning. What began as entertainment eventually turned into a trap, and he didn’t even realize it. After suffering financial loss and family discord, he recognized his mistake. He sought help from a psychiatrist and is now gradually trying to overcome the addiction. His story serves as a lesson for the millions who are taking online Ludo lightly.
