Punjab's centuries-old customs, rural economy, and rich culture may make it appear very different from modern leisure activities and internet addictions. However, the effects of gambling on young people – particularly in rural areas – have come to light more and more in recent years. This effect is complex, ranging from the alteration of social dynamics in communities to the economic effects.
Traditions & modern reality
Folk dances, festivals and sports like kabaddi have long entertained the youth of rural Punjab. However, in the last decade, things have changed: young people now have different habits due to access to the internet.
According to DataForIndia, the number of mobile internet users in the country has more than quadrupled between 2008 and 2024. Smartphones and mobile internet are now available everywhere, even in isolated communities. The result is a new digital, dynamic and sometimes dangerous place to relax.
Digital Gambling
Traditional card games have long been a part of Punjabi culture, especially during festive periods. However, what used to be a leisure activity under the control of family and community is now taking on a global dimension thanks to the online format.
Online casinos like Spin Panda Online Casino have become popular in rural areas, where the lack of infrastructure for physical leisure is combined with a surge in digital activity. These platforms, accessible from any smartphone, offer a range of games – from classic slots to card battles, often in 24/7 mode.
It is important to emphasize: Spin Panda Online Casino and similar platforms operate under international licenses and are aimed at a global audience. They are not directly aimed at the Indian market, but their presence in the digital space is a reality to which local authorities have not yet had time to adapt.
Why are youth in villages vulnerable?
Rural youth in Punjab face a unique combination of factors that increase the risk of gambling:
- Unemployment and lack of prospects. According to the CMIE report for 2023, the youth unemployment rate in Punjab was 18, 8%, one of the highest in the country.
- Migration sentiment. Many young Punjabis dream of going abroad – to Canada, the UK, Australia. This gives rise to temporary frustrations and a desire for quick profit.
- Social pressure and boredom. In villages, where entertainment infrastructure is virtually non-existent, gambling becomes a way to pass the time and feel in control of circumstances.
Who plays? The average age of those involved in online gambling in rural areas are between 18 and 28 years. Of those, 70% admitted that they started playing “out of boredom” or “on the advice of friends.” For many, it has become more than just a hobby, but a mechanism for escapism – an escape from social and economic realities.
Interestingly, the level of involvement is significantly higher among men, but there are also cases of participation among women, especially in slot games, which require minimal involvement and are accessible even with low digital literacy.
What can help to be a responsible gambler?
The solution to the gambling problem in rural Punjab is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires efforts at several levels:
- Education and awareness campaigns
There is a need to create awareness initiatives on the risks of gambling, both in schools and at the local panchayat level. It is important to explain the mechanisms of addiction to young people, rather than simply prohibiting access to games.
- Alternative forms of leisure
Government and non-governmental organizations can invest in:
- development of sports infrastructure;
- cultural centers for young people;
- digital literacy and entrepreneurship circles.
This will help reduce emotional and social addiction to digital gambling.
- Regulation and digital oversight
While online casinos like Spin Panda Online Casino operate within the international legal system, India needs to implement digital filters, age restrictions, and self-monitoring mechanisms at the national level – similar to those already in place in Europe and Canada.
Wrap up
Punjab faces the challenge of preserving the cultural identity and resilience of rural communities in the age of rapid digitalization. Young people, as the most flexible and at the same time vulnerable segment of the population, require special attention.
Gambling is not necessarily evil: with the right regulation and a mature approach, it can simply be a part of leisure. However, in rural Punjab, online gambling is now less about the game and more about the social void that young people are trying to fill. It is important not only to prevent risks, but also to create new horizons of opportunity – so that the stakes are not in the game, but in the future.