In a rather surprising turn of events, SIT constituted to curb betting apps has found that it is not possible to stop betting apps. Of course that is no good news for citizens of Telangana. But those facing financial problems and those who had suicide cases in the family, will have to swallow the bitter pill.
The betting apps are here to stay. For starters, many are offshore betting sites. Let alone filing cases, notices cannot be issued to them. For example, if one app is banned, then it creates apps in other names to lure those who are addicted to betting.
In some countries, football and cricket betting apps are legal. The betting sharks make use of such loopholes and operate from there. Then there is the big problem of demarcating the difference between skill games and betting games.
Though betting is banned in Telangana, many apps are operating from neighbouring states. The Central government banned online betting apps in 2023. Self regulatory organisations were set-up after taking suggestions from IT experts, academicians and psychologists. SIT found that all roads lead to a deadend.
So what must the people know. Well, self control and extending support to those who are addicted is the only solution. At least that’s what SIT will inform the Telangana government.
