Online Betting As A Gateway To Economic Crimes - Youth Perceptions
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 13
- 1 min read
Avantika. K, B.Com.LL.B. (Hons.), The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Dr. S. Thirumal, Assistant Professor, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT:
The rapid growth of online betting platforms in India has raised serious concerns regarding their role in facilitating economic crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. This study examines online betting as a gateway to economic crime by analysing youth perceptions, betting behaviour, financial risk indicators, and the effectiveness of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Adopting a non-doctrinal empirical research methodology, primary data was collected from 50 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal widespread participation in online betting, low levels of legal and financial awareness, frequent use of digital payment systems, concealment of transactions, and the presence of loss-chasing behaviour. A significant proportion of respondents reported personal experiences of fraud and financial deception, reinforcing the real economic risks associated with online betting. The study further highlights limited public awareness and perceived ineffectiveness of the 2025 Act in controlling betting-related economic crimes, particularly due to weak enforcement and continued access to illegal platforms. The research concludes that online betting poses a substantial threat to financial integrity and emphasises the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, enhanced auditing and anti-money laundering mechanisms, and targeted public awareness initiatives to effectively address online betting as a gateway to economic crime.
Keywords: Online Betting, Economic Crime, Youth Perception, Digital Payments, Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
