"Wayang serves as an educational medium, teaching moral values, history, and cultural traditions through its stories and performances. The performances are often seen as having spiritual significance, encouraging good, warding off evil, and connecting the community to their cultural and spiritual roots. When Islam became prominent in Java around the 15th century, Wayang was adapted by incorporating Islamic elements while retaining its traditional narrative structure and philosophical themes. Wayang performances are often used to mark important events, convey religious teachings, and provide entertainment. The stories and characters often reflect values such as harmony and balance in life.Then our Ki Dalang tells us about Cangik, known for her foolishness and vanity. Once, she heard about a magical mirror that could grant beauty to anyone who looked into it and she decided that she wanted to become the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.Eager to acquire the mirror, Cangik set off on a journey, accompanied by her loyal but sceptical big fat friend, Limbuk. After many adventures, they finally found the mirror in a cave guarded by a giant.Cangik, who had a small, slender body, sent Limbuk to negotiate with the giant. Limbuk, quick-witted and cunning, tricked the giant into believing that the mirror had a curse and was of no use. The gian handed over the mirror without a fight.Triumphant, Cangik gazed into the mirror. Mimicking Charlize Theron as Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman, expecting a creature came out from the mirror. But unfortunately, nothing was happening. It turned out that the mirror was just an ordinary one, and Cangik’s face remained as foolish-looking as ever. The mirror simply reflected her true self. And Limbuk, who was standing behind Cangik, could only pa her forehead as saying, 'A-la-maak!'""The neoliberal economic policies pursued by many states since the 1970s have led to the rapid expansion of the commercial gambling industry and the widespread availability of gambling products and services. Across the globe, commercial gambling opportunities abound. For many countries, the latter decades of the twentieth century oversaw the progressive transformation of gambling from an activity of dubious morality into a mainstream leisure pursuit," Seruni continued while looking at two dice sprawled on a roulette machine."James Banks mentions that states and their economic allies have harnessed growing prosperity, a culture of consumption, and the increased availability of cheap credit, leading to ‘the massive proliferation of commercial gambling as a global enterprise’. In particular, the last decade of the twentieth century saw an acceleration of the deregulation and liberalisation of gambling across many jurisdictions, with high-potency continuous forms of gambling becoming ever more prevalent.Although these changes are by no means uniform or universal, in North America, Australasia, Europe and parts of Asia, the liberalisation of gambling laws and policy has led to the widespread availability of a panoply of diļ¬erent gambling products and services. Such changes are most pronounced in the Western world, where games of chance have come to represent a popular pastime for many, and are promoted by governments and the leisure and entertainment industry as fun, convivial and safe aleatory experiences.Gambling has, at various stages throughout history, been constructed as a vice, a deviant, criminal or criminogenic activity. During the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century, the legal status of gambling across the globe ebbed and flowed, in response to shifting perspectives regarding its relationship with society.Gambling is not a universal social activity, says Banks. Rather, this representation is circulated by a gambling industry that, to generate profit from the transaction, depicts gambling as a natural phenomenon; ‘something inherent in human nature and, therefore, unavoidable or even necessary for our well-being’.The rapid growth of the Internet as a public and commercial vehicle provides significant opportunities for gambling activities to take place online. Facilitated by the development of the first gambling software, by Microgaming in 1994, and encrypted communication protocols, which enable online monetary transactions, by Cryptologic in 1995, Antiguan-based company InterCasino became the first Internet gambling site to accept an online wager in January 1996. Before this, sports books, such as Ladbrokes, Intertops Casino and Sports Book, had introduced websites that detailed their odds and freephone numbers through which customers could place their bets, whilst casino sites offered free play gambling games to Internet users. Yet the first online purchase of lottery tickets for the Swiss Lottery, Loterie Romande, in September 1993, signalled the possibility of a new medium for gambling.Online gambling refers to the act of placing bets or playing games of chance for money over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of activities and has grown significantly in popularity due to the accessibility and convenience of online platforms. There are many types of Online Gambling including Online casinos that offer traditional casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat; Sports betting that allows bettors to place wagers on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, horse racing, and more; Online poker rooms host various poker games and tournaments; Virtual bingo games that replicate the traditional game; Online lottery tickets for national and international draws; Betting on competitive video gaming events.The legality of online gambling varies widely across different jurisdictions. Some countries have fully legalized and regulated online gambling, while others have strict bans. Reputable online gambling sites typically operate under licenses issued by regulatory authorities, ensuring they adhere to certain standards of fairness and security. Most jurisdictions require players to be of legal gambling age, typically 18 or 21, to participate in online gambling.The history of online gambling is a fascinating tale of rapid technological advancement, regulatory challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. In 1996, InterCasino claimed to be the first online casino to accept a real money wager. It offered 18 different casino games. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established in Canada, providing licenses to online casinos and poker rooms, further legitimising the industry. In 1998, the first online poker room, Planet Poker, was launched, allowing players to participate in games against each other rather than the house.In 2001, the number of online gambling sites increased, with hundreds of operators entering the market. This period saw a diversification of online gambling services, including sports betting, poker, and lotteries. In 2003, the popularity of online poker skyrocketed with Chris Moneymaker’s victory at the World Series of Poker, which he qualified for via an online tournament. This event is often referred to as the 'Moneymaker Effect.' In 2005, the UK introduced the Gambling Act 2005, which aimed to regulate online gambling comprehensively and ensure fair and open practices. The act also established the UK Gambling Commission to oversee and license operators.In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in the United States, making it illegal for payment processors to handle transactions for online gambling activities deemed unlawful. This led many operators to exit the U.S. market. In 2008, the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of the freedom to provide services, impacting online gambling regulations in EU countries. This decision helped clarify the legal status of online gambling within Europe. In 2009, the introduction of mobile gambling saw a momentous rise, allowing players to gamble using their smartphones and tablets.In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice seized the domains of major online poker sites in an event known as 'Black Friday,' which had a profound impact on the industry in the U.S. Online gambling continued to grow globally, with many countries establishing regulatory frameworks to govern the industry. In 2013, New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada became the first U.S. states to legalize and regulate online gambling, marking a shift towards state-by-state regulation. In 2015, the rise of cryptocurrency saw the emergence of Bitcoin casinos, providing players with increased privacy and the ability to circumvent traditional banking restrictions.The modern era of online gambling began in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online gambling as physical casinos were closed and more people turned to online platforms for entertainment. In 2021, the U.S. saw continued growth in the regulated online gambling market, with states like Michigan and Pennsylvania launching online casinos and sports betting. The integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) began to offer more immersive gambling experiences. In 2023, online sports betting became increasingly popular worldwide, with many countries and states within the U.S. expanding their regulatory frameworks to include sports wagering. In 2024, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning began to play a more significant role in enhancing user experiences and improving responsible gambling measures.Online gambling has come a long way from its early days, evolving with technology and adapting to changing regulatory landscapes. Its future promises to be just as dynamic, driven by innovations and shifting legal frameworks.Online gambling continues to evolve with advancements in technology and changes in regulatory frameworks. It remains a popular and dynamic sector of the entertainment industry. Players can gamble from the comfort of their homes at any time. A variety of access to a wide range of games and betting options. Many sites offer incentives like welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards.Despite the pros, there are some consequences to online gambling. Easy access and anonymity can lead to problem gambling and addiction risks. Risks of fraud, hacking, and issues with personal data protection can also arise. In some regions, the lack of regulation can lead to unreliable and untrustworthy operators.Online gambling can have serious psychological impacts on individuals, both positive and negative. While some people may engage in online gambling as a form of entertainment without adverse effects, others may experience serious psychological and emotional consequences. For many, online gambling provides a source of excitement and enjoyment. It offers a break from routine and can be a fun recreational activity. Online gambling platforms, especially online poker and casino games, often provide opportunities for social interaction, allowing players to communicate and form communities. Some forms of online gambling, such as poker, require strategic thinking and decision-making, which can engage and stimulate cognitive processes.Online gambling can lead to gambling disorder, a condition characterized by an inability to control gambling behaviour despite negative consequences. This is listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) as a behavioral addiction. The ease of access and 24/7 availability of online gambling can contribute to compulsive gambling behaviours, making it difficult for individuals to stop once they start.Online gambling can lead to heavy financial losses, which in turn can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. Financial difficulties often exacerbate mental health issues and can lead to a cycle of gambling to try to recover losses, known as 'chasing losses.'Individuals who experience serious losses or become addicted to online gambling may suffer from increased levels of anxiety and depression. The stress associated with financial problems and the potential for strained relationships can further contribute to these issues. Many individuals may feel guilt and shame about their gambling behaviour, particularly if they have incurred debts or caused harm to their loved ones. These feelings can lead to a negative self-image and reduced self-esteem.Compulsive gamblers may withdraw from social activities and relationships, leading to isolation and loneliness. The solitary nature of online gambling can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, as individuals may spend long hours gambling alone.Online gambling can lead to cognitive distortions such as the illusion of control, where individuals believe they have more control over the outcome than they do. This can result in poor decision-making and increased risk-taking. The fast pace and instant gratification associated with online gambling can impair judgment and lead to impulsive decisions, which can have long-term negative consequences.The 24/7 nature of online gambling can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, particularly if individuals stay up late gambling. Poor sleep can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Problem gambling can strain relationships with family and friends due to financial stress, broken trust, and social withdrawal. It can lead to conflicts and even relationship breakdowns.The easy access to online gambling platforms makes it convenient for individuals to gamble anytime and anywhere, increasing the risk of addiction. The anonymity of online gambling can make it easier for individuals to hide their gambling behaviour from others, leading to a lack of social support and an increased risk of problem gambling. Online gambling platforms often use design features that can promote prolonged engagement and higher spending, such as frequent rewards, engaging graphics, and the illusion of near-misses. Aggressive marketing and promotional tactics, such as bonuses and free bets, can encourage individuals to gamble more than they intend, contributing to the risk of addiction.The psychological impact of online gambling is complex and multifaceted, but the harm outweighs the benefits. It's essential to approach online gambling with caution and awareness and to seek help if gambling behaviour becomes problematic.In the following episode, we will still discuss the negative impact of online gambling on individuals, then the impact on society as a whole, biidhnillah."Seruni then recited a poem,Bet your house, bet your car,Bet your dreams on a shooting star.When the chips are all gone,And your clothes are in pawn,You'll find you’ve gone too far.
Citations & References:
- James Banks, Online Gambling and Crime: Causes, Controls and Controversies, 2014, Ashgate
- Peter Collins, Gambling and the Public Interest, 2003, Praeger
- Todd E. Simmons, Regulating Internet Gambling, 2009, Nova Science Publisher
