Tragic Toll of Online Gambling Revealed in Senate Hearing
Relatives of a young victim shared a heartbreaking account of how online gambling led to devastating consequences. The 26-year-old man, whose story was brought before the Senate committee on games and amusement, tragically ended his own life after falling victim to the addictive nature of e-gambling platforms.
Early in the hearing, the victim’s mother recounted her son’s descent into addiction. She revealed that the easy accessibility of online gambling was a critical factor that drew him in. “They were only made aware when the child already committed suicide — that that’s what he’s been doing, online gambling,” a senator translated her testimony from Bisaya, underscoring the family’s shock and grief.
From Casual Pastime to Addiction
Community members noted that the young man initially viewed online gambling as a casual activity. However, as his involvement deepened, addiction took hold. A cousin testified that conversations about gambling were frequent but seemed harmless at first. “Based on what I know of him, I heard that he played with my nephew. They were talking about it, but I didn’t know that he was betting too much,” the cousin said.
He added, “I don’t know how much he was betting. The talks were all casual. He didn’t say that he lost a big amount, but he did tell us that he was only doing it to pass the time, so I didn’t know that he became addicted to it.” This illustrates how addiction can develop quietly, unnoticed by loved ones.
Financial Struggles and Consequences
Officials reported the victim worked as a gas station cashier. His addiction reportedly led him to steal twice from his workplace to fund his gambling. The first theft involved P16,000, which his mother reimbursed. The second incident was more severe, with P42,000 stolen and left unpaid.
According to gaming authorities, the victim played on an online betting platform called Scatter, similar to slot machines. Bets on this platform range from P10 upwards, with the average bet around P20 per game. This low entry cost may contribute to the platform’s accessibility and potential for addiction.
Calls for Awareness and Support
Local leaders and mental health advocates stress the importance of awareness regarding the risks of online gambling. They emphasize that the accessibility of such platforms can lure even those without prior gambling history into harmful habits.
They also highlight the critical need for support systems for those affected. Resources for mental health assistance are available for individuals struggling with addiction or suicidal thoughts. Community members encourage anyone in need to seek help promptly.
Trigger warning: mentions of suicide
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