In the constantly evolving digital world of 2025, the availability of online gambling has become a double-edged sword, especially for the younger generations. As highlighted in a seminar organized by the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI) and its affiliates, the surge in online gambling activity poses a significant threat, intertwining with crime, violence, and even suicide. Their 2024 report meticulously tracks the impact of online gambling, painting a vivid picture of its pervasive influence.
The forum urged the government to take immediate and decisive actions to mitigate the adverse effects on young individuals drawn into this dark digital realm. The recommendations include a robust, united front from all societal sectors to dismantle illegal gambling websites, initiate rehabilitation centers for those ensnared by gambling addiction, and impose stricter punishments on habitual offenders.
Surachate Phosaeng, deputy secretary-general at TYI, expressed grave concerns over the findings. “Young people are not just participating in online gambling; they’re running these platforms,” he lamented. The situation was exacerbated during the Covid-19 lockdowns when staying indoors became synonymous with increased online indulgence, including gambling.
In a rather cunning move, gambling site operators have turned to influencers, especially popular youth figures, to amplify their reach. Despite several such influencers facing legal repercussions, the trend persists. “It’s like battling a many-headed hydra. Cut off one head, and another takes its place,” Mr. Surachate remarked with evident frustration.
The ongoing efforts to block illegal gambling sites seem insufficient. While thousands of subdomains have been blocked, the core domains remain untouched, offering users easy access. Mr. Surachate elaborated, “Creating these sites is as simple as a few clicks, and obtaining licenses from jurisdictions where gambling is legal makes shutting them down nearly impossible.”
Furthermore, Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, acting commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau’s Division 1, sounded the alarm on the ever-evolving landscape of online criminal activities. “It’s a global problem,” he stated, adding that the updated cybercrime laws are more focused on newer threats like call center scams, leaving a glaring loophole where online gambling is concerned.
The seminar illuminated a potent mix of challenges and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the burgeoning menace of online gambling. As the world moves further into a digital age, ensuring the safety and well-being of young people becomes not just a goal, but an imperative for future generations. Society must remain vigilant, adaptive, and relentless in protecting its youth from the perils lurking in virtual casinos. With broad collaboration and unwavering resolve, it’s a battle that can, and must, be won.
It’s shocking how easy it is for young people to fall into the trap of online gambling. The government needs to step up its game!
Totally agree! But aren’t parents also responsible for monitoring their kids’ online activities?
Sure, but kids are sneaky and tech-savvy. Monitoring isn’t as simple as it sounds.
Both sides need to work together. Governmental regulations and parental involvement go hand in hand, right?
The fact that influencers are being used to promote gambling to youth is downright immoral. Where are the ethics?
Influencers just care about their bottom line. If it brings in money, morals go out the window.
Sadly, you’re probably right. But how do we hold them accountable?
Online gambling laws are laughably outdated! It’s like trying to catch a hacker with a flip phone!
Lol, that analogy! 😂 But seriously, aren’t we too reliant on the law without pushing for tech innovation in control measures?
Honestly, it’s a parent’s job to educate their kids about the risks of gambling, not the government’s.
But not all parents are equipped or aware of the ever-changing online landscape. They need governmental support!
We shouldn’t count solely on parents. They need resources & support to handle this.
Wait, are we just going to ignore how influential the Covid-19 lockdowns were on increasing this issue?
For sure! Kids had nothing but screens to keep them busy. Perfect storm for bad habits.
Exactly! We need to learn from this and prepare for future crises better.
It’s disheartening that online gambling is being ignored while other crimes get all the attention. Priorities?
It’s all about what’s trendy. Apparently, online gambling isn’t dramatic enough.
Anyone else think the seminar’s solutions were too optimistic? Implementing those changes is easier said than done.
Gambling’s been around since forever. Can’t expect quick fixes for something so ingrained in human culture.
The influence of physical barriers like lockdowns on digital behaviors is fascinating! Need more studies.
All these interventions sound expensive. Can the government afford this in the long term?
From a tech perspective, as long as there’s demand, there will be supply. The real challenge is altering user behavior.
I don’t see what’s so bad. Let people spend their money how they want!
It’s not just spending money ‘how they want’. The addictive nature destroys lives.
If blocking subdomains isn’t working, we need hackers fighting back against gambling sites, not just with laws.
Why isn’t there more collaboration between countries to tackle this? It’s not just a Thailand problem.
The problem with online laws is they end where the internet starts: Everywhere but nowhere specific. Terrifying reality.
No wonder it’s hard to enforce laws! We’re living in a borderless world online.
Kinda makes you worried about the whole future of digital crime prevention, doesn’t it?
We need online safe spaces for young people that promote healthy digital activities.
Cool idea! But what do these spaces look like in practice?
Instead of blocking, why not redirect those trying to access gambling sites to educational resources?
What about incentivizing positive online behavior? Could be an angle worth exploring.