Hyderabad: Calls to suicide hotlines jump by 60 percent as young betting addicts seek help
Counsellors and professionals in the industry have acknowledged a significant spike in the volume of distress calls related to online betting app losses.
Hyderabad: Calls to suicide helplines from youngsters who are hooked to online betting apps, have gone up by 60 percent over the last six months, Times of India reported.
Counsellors have reported a significant spike in numbers over the last six months, in comparison to previous years, especially during the IPL season, which was held in March and May 2025.
Local police have registered 80 cases in connection to betting apps and online gambling, while 20 suicides have been recorded.
Roshini Foundation, a Hyderabad-based suicide prevention service, said that the jump in suicide calls is about 65 percent this year in comparison to 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, about 36.5 percent of all distress calls were about online betting. In 2023, that figure stood at 22 percent.
"The spikes are being triggered during cricketing events like IPL,” Swarna Raju, director of Roshini foundation was quoted as saying.
The average age of the callers is between 20 to 40 years and they include students, employees and businessmen. Many of them said that they have lost money – a few thousand rupees to a few lakh – instantly.
Other professionals in the industry also acknowledge that the share of calls from online betting losses have grown. Psychiatrists say that youngsters start chasing big rewards after small wins and that they are influenced by celebrities and influencers who promote such apps.
They turn to suicide helplines after losing big money and are isolated and overwhelmed, counsellors said.
Recently, several celebrities and YouTubers have been summoned by the ED to attend questioning for promoting betting apps.
Prioritise your well being, reach out for help:
Roshini Foundation: 91 8142020033/ 91 8142020044
Tele Manas: 14416 or 1-800-891-4416