A sharp rise in casino addiction among Pakistani youth has been reported by various authorities and experts, sparking concerns about the nation's gaming culture.
According to a recent survey by ProPakistani, nearly 70% of the respondents in the 18-35 age group have admitted to visiting casinos at least once within the last six months. Additionally, 40% of the respondents reported visiting casinos more than five times in the same period.
The survey also found that 60% of the female respondents and 40% of the male respondents have gambled online, while 20% of the respondents have used cryptocurrency to place bets.
The rise in casino addiction among Pakistani youth has been linked to the growth of the gaming industry in the country. The availability of online gaming platforms, the ease of access to online casinos, and the aggressive marketing by the gaming industry have all contributed to the increase in gaming addiction.
Experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the unchecked growth of the gaming industry can have severe consequences for the country's youth. "Our youth are being lured into a web of addiction, and we are watching helplessly," said Dr. Imran Qureshi, a psychologist.
The government has announced plans to regulate the gaming industry and introduce measures to curb gaming addiction. However, experts warn that more needs to be done, including awareness campaigns and support systems for those affected by gaming addiction.
The nation waits with bated breath to see what steps the government will take to tackle this rising issue.