As we have reported multiple times, a significant portion of the population in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is struggling with gambling addiction. This issue is becoming even more serious during the IPL and cricket season, as people increasingly engage in sports betting.
Some measures, like geo-tagging and area-specific restrictions, are being implemented by both state governments, but the problem remains widespread.
However, in a positive development, the issue has now caught the attention of the Andhra Pradesh government’s top leadership. IT Minister Nara Lokesh has spoken out about it.
Lokesh firmly stated that the government is planning and designing strong measures to completely eliminate the betting culture.
He said, “Betting apps are destroying lives. I hear hundreds of heart-wrenching stories about youngsters being pushed into despair because of their gambling addiction. This has to stop.
The long-term solution is continuous awareness and strict action against betting apps. We are working on a comprehensive anti-betting policy that will serve as an example for the entire country. All legal avenues will be explored to put an end to this menace.”
It has been confirmed that the Andhra Pradesh government is taking steps to develop a thorough anti-betting policy and aims to set a national example.
Every day, we hear distressing stories of students and middle-aged individuals taking their own lives due to severe financial losses from betting. It is crucial that Lokesh continues to focus on this issue and introduces a strong legal framework to eliminate this dangerous trend.
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