"Some Wayang Kulit stories feature a magical mirror that reveals the true nature of individuals or situations. The mirror serves as a metaphor for self-reflection and truth. It suggests that true understanding and wisdom come from looking within and confronting one’s true self, stripped of illusions and pretences.Then our Ki Dalang tells us that Petruk, one of Semar's sons, is known for his long nose and penchant for food. Once, he heard that there would be a cooking competition in a neighbouring village. The prize was a year’s supply of food. Petruk, known for his insatiable appetite, decided to join.Petruk’s plan was simple as the competition began: cook as much as possible and eat whatever was left, or in other words: work, work, work. However, he underestimated the cooking prowess of the other contestants. While they were busy making gourmet dishes, Petruk’s simple, massive pot of rice seemed unimpressive.When it was time for the judges to taste the dishes, Petruk panicked, realizing that his dish looked dull compared to the others. In a stroke of genius, or perhaps desperation, he grabbed a handful of red chilli and black pepper, dumping them into the pot and stirring frantically.To everyone’s surprise, the dish turned out to be delicious. The judges, amused by his audacity and impressed by the flavour, declared Petruk the winner. Overjoyed, he invited everyone to enjoy what he had cooked. But after the meals had finished, everybody rushed home, not because they were satisfied, but because they had stomach aches and diarrhoea. And the winner Petruk, spent the next year happily munching on his prize.""Online gambling is like a siren’s song in the digital sea, calling out to individuals with promises of wealth and excitement. It lures them with its enchanting melodies of easy money and instant gratification but often leads them toward the treacherous rocks of financial ruin and addiction. Engaging in online gambling is like opening a virtual Pandora’s box. What starts as an innocent click of a button can unleash a torrent of unforeseen consequences—financial woes, addiction, and strained relationships—much like the evils that escaped Pandora’s mythical container.Online gambling resembles a flickering flame in the dark. It attracts individuals like moths, drawn to its warm glow and the promise of illumination. However, getting too close can lead to being burned, as the enticing light masks the perilous heat beneath. Engaging in online gambling is like chasing a phantom feast. The table is set with lavish promises and delectable wins, but each time one reaches out, the feast vanishes, leaving them grasping at the air and hungry for more.Online gambling is a digital mirage, offering the illusion of wealth and success in a desert of financial struggle. It tempts individuals to chase the dream of easy money, but the closer they get, the more elusive the dream becomes, often leading to a harsh reality of loss and debt. Imagine online gambling as a digital chariot of fire, racing through the online landscape with the promise of speed and excitement. Yet, much like Icarus’s ill-fated flight too close to the sun, it carries the risk of burning those who ride too recklessly, leading to a rapid descent into loss and regret," Seruni continued."Countries around the world have different approaches to gambling, and many governments generate significant revenue from gambling-related activities through taxes and licensing fees. The U.S. is the largest gambling market globally. In 2023, the commercial gaming industry generated about $60.4 billion in revenue. Macau, China, is one of the world’s largest gambling markets. Gambling taxes are a significant part of Macau’s economy, contributing over 80% of government revenue. In 2023, gross gaming revenue (GGR) was about $14 billion. The UK gambling industry generated around £14.2 billion in 2023. The UK has a well-regulated gambling market with strict oversight to ensure fair play and consumer protection. Australia has one of the highest gambling participation rates globally. Gambling contributes significantly to state and federal revenues, with a total gambling expenditure of around AUD 25 billion in 2023. In 2023, Singapore’s two integrated resorts (Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa) generated substantial revenue, contributing significantly to the economy. The government regulates gambling strictly to manage social impacts. Canada’s gambling industry generated over CAD 16 billion in 2023. Each province regulates gambling, with revenues supporting public services. Italy’s gambling industry generated around €19 billion in 2023. The government imposes heavy taxes on gambling activities. Germany’s gambling industry generated approximately €14 billion in 2023. Germany has a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure responsible gambling.Japan legalized casino gambling in 2018, and integrated resorts are expected to open shortly, potentially generating significant revenue. The casino market is projected to generate over $10 billion annually once fully operational. The Philippines has seen rapid growth in its gambling sector, with casinos and online gaming becoming major revenue sources. In 2023, the gaming industry generated around $4.5 billion. South Korea is expanding its casino industry, with major developments in areas like Incheon. The gaming sector generated around $2.5 billion in 2023. Vietnam is expanding its gambling industry, with new casinos being developed to attract tourists. The gaming market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.Many countries generate substantial income from gambling activities through various means such as taxes, licensing fees, and direct operation of gambling enterprises. The economic impact of gambling can be compelling, providing funds for public services and development projects. However, it also requires careful regulation to manage potential social harms.The popularity of online gambling varies widely across countries, driven by factors such as regulatory frameworks, cultural attitudes, and the availability of digital infrastructure. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have some of the largest populations engaging in online gambling due to their conducive regulatory environments, cultural acceptance, and advanced digital infrastructure. As online gambling continues to grow globally, these trends are likely to evolve, potentially bringing new markets into prominence.Countries with more permissive regulations tend to have higher participation rates in online gambling. For example, the UK has a well-regulated market that encourages widespread participation. Cultural acceptance of gambling plays a significant role. In countries like Australia and the UK, gambling is widely accepted as a form of entertainment. Access to high-speed internet and digital payment systems facilitates the growth of online gambling. Countries with robust digital infrastructure, such as the U.S. and the UK, see higher participation rates. In regions where local laws restrict gambling, players often turn to international sites. This is common in countries like China and India, where local regulations are strict but enforcement is challenging.Millions of Americans participate in online gambling, with estimates suggesting that around 30 million engage in online sports betting alone. Around 40% of UK adults engage in some form of online gambling annually. While gambling is largely illegal in mainland China, millions of Chinese citizens gamble online through offshore websites. Around 80% of Australian adults gamble, with a significant portion engaging in online gambling. A significant portion of Canadians engage in online gambling, with estimates suggesting around 19% of adults have gambled online in the past year. About 16.3% of Germans have gambled online in the past year. A significant portion of the Italian population engages in online gambling, with estimates indicating over 30% of adults participate annually. Around 5% of the Spanish adult population engages in online gambling regularly.Despite legal ambiguities, millions of Indians engage in online gambling, particularly through offshore websites. Estimates suggest around 15% of the adult population has gambled online. The Indian online gambling market is expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2025. Rapid digital adoption and a large young population are driving growth. Millions of Brazilians participate in online gambling, with estimates suggesting around 18% of adults have gambled online. The Brazilian online gambling market is estimated to be worth around $2 billion annually.According to Tempo.co, online gambling has become deeply entrenched in Indonesian society due to increased access to technology and smart devices. Tempo.co also mentions that according to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), during 2023 alone, there were 168 million online gambling transactions recorded in the country, with a total turnover of IDR 327 trillion. This figure covers 63 percent of the total turnover of transaction funds since 2017, which reached IDR 517 trillion. It’s essential to address the psychological and financial tolls of online gambling, as it affects people of all ages, including children below 10 and those aged 10 to 20, who make up around 13 percent of the total number of approximately 4 million people engaged in online gambling. In Indonesia, online gambling has gained popularity, and several games are favoured by players including slots, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. Tempo. co mentions that according to a report from DroneEmprit, from survey results, there are the five countries with the largest number of online gambling players, Indonesia has 201,122 players; Cambodia has 26,279 players; Philippines 4,207 players; Myanmar 650 players; and Russia has 448 players.Online gambling can have a range of impacts on individuals beyond the psychological effects. These impacts can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their social relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. Compulsive gambling can lead to significant debt, as individuals may borrow money or use credit to finance their gambling habits. Severe financial losses from gambling can result in bankruptcy, leading to long-term financial instability and hardship. Individuals may deplete their savings, including retirement funds, to cover gambling losses. Some may resort to selling personal assets, such as property or valuable items, to pay off gambling-related debts. Financial stress and time spent on gambling can affect work performance, leading to job loss or reduced income. Gambling addiction can result in absenteeism, decreased productivity, and strained relationships with colleagues.Gambling problems can lead to conflicts and strained relationships with family members due to financial issues, broken trust, and emotional distress. Individuals with gambling problems may withdraw from social interactions and activities, leading to loneliness and isolation. Children in families affected by gambling addiction may experience neglect due to the parent’s focus on gambling. Children may suffer emotional distress and anxiety as a result of the family's financial problems and parental conflicts related to gambling. Individuals may feel ashamed or guilty about their gambling behaviour, leading to social withdrawal and reluctance to seek help. There may be a social stigma attached to gambling addiction, which can prevent individuals from seeking support.The stress associated with financial losses and gambling addiction can contribute to physical health problems such as hypertension, ulcers, and cardiovascular issues. Gambling, particularly online gambling, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders. Individuals focused on gambling may neglect their physical health, leading to poor diet, lack of exercise, and weight gain or loss. Some individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress and emotional pain of gambling losses, leading to substance abuse and associated health issues.Persistent gambling can impair cognitive function, leading to poor decision-making and impulsive behaviour. Excessive gambling can affect attention span and memory, making it difficult to focus on tasks or remember important information. Gambling can lead to increased risk-taking behaviour, not only in gambling activities but also in other aspects of life. Frustration and stress from gambling losses can result in aggressive or irritable behaviour towards others.To finance gambling habits, some individuals may resort to illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement. Engaging in illegal gambling activities or committing crimes to support gambling can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Gambling problems can lead to dishonesty with family, friends, and employers about financial issues or time spent gambling. The need to hide gambling behaviour can result in breaches of trust in personal and professional relationships.For students, gambling can negatively impact academic performance due to time spent gambling and associated stress. Severe gambling problems may lead to dropping out of school or college, impacting future career opportunities. Gambling issues can hinder career progression, with individuals potentially missing out on promotions or professional development opportunities. Professional reputation can be damaged due to gambling-related issues, affecting long-term career prospects.The impacts of online gambling on society are multifaceted and can have far-reaching consequences. It can pose significant social, economic, and ethical challenges. While online gambling generates significant profits for operators and tax revenue for governments, it often results in a redistribution of wealth from individuals, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, to gambling companies and the state. The costs associated with problem gambling, including healthcare, social services, and criminal justice, can place a burden on public resources and taxpayers.The accessibility and convenience of online gambling can increase the prevalence of gambling addiction, leading to a rise in problem gamblers and associated social issues. Families of problem gamblers may experience financial hardship, emotional distress, and relationship breakdowns due to the gambler's behaviour. Individuals addicted to online gambling may withdraw from social interactions and community activities, leading to increased social isolation and loneliness. Problem gambling is associated with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, which can affect not only the individual but also their family and community. Problem gambling can lead to an increase in criminal activities such as theft, fraud, and embezzlement as individuals seek ways to finance their gambling habits. The global nature of online gambling presents challenges for law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including issues related to jurisdiction, enforcement, and consumer protection.Problem gambling can erode trust within communities as individuals and families affected by gambling issues may face stigmatization and social exclusion. The diversion of funds from community activities to gambling can reduce the availability of resources for community development and support services.In Indonesia, there is an idea of providing social assistance to online gamblers who have fallen into poverty. Regardless of how they arrived at their current state, individuals in poverty need assistance. Providing social support can help them meet their basic needs and potentially escape the poverty cycle. But providing social assistance such as certain money might be seen as condoning or even encouraging risky behaviour, potentially leading more individuals to gamble, thinking they will have a safety net if things go wrong. People who do not gamble or who manage their finances responsibly might see this as unfair. They might feel that their efforts to avoid poverty are being undermined by providing support to those who engage in risky behaviour.Governments often have limited resources for social assistance. Providing aid to those who have gambled their money away might divert funds from individuals who are in poverty through no fault of their own, such as due to job loss, illness, or disability. There is a risk that people might exploit the system by claiming poverty after gambling, leading to potential fraud and misuse of social assistance funds.Social assistance could be in the form of counselling to help them recover and reintegrate into society. The government could invest in education and tighter regulations to prevent gambling addiction from leading to poverty in the first place. This might include public awareness campaigns and stricter controls on online gambling platforms. Addressing the issue comprehensively by combining social assistance with broader social services, including mental health support and financial education, could be more effective in the long term.We will continue the discussion with other topics in the following episode, biidhnillah."Seruni then read a poem,In a virtual land where the dice never sleep,Promises of fortune run deep.Spin the wheel, chase the thrill,Until the credit card bill,Brings you back down from the steep.
Citations & References:
- James Banks, Gambling, Crime and Society, 2017, Palgrave
- Rebecca Cassidy, Vicious Games: Capitalism and Gambling, 2020, Pluto Press
- Joseph Mazur, What's to Do Luck Got with It? The History, Mathematics, and Psychology Behind the Gambler’s Illusion, 2010, Princeton University Press
- Clyde Brion Davis, Something for Nothing, 1955, J.B. Lippincott Company
