THE ALLURE OF EASY MONEY: BETTING APPLICATIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING OF PAKISTANI YOUTH

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of smartphone-based betting applications in Pakistan has introduced a novel and pervasive form of digital gambling, particularly among youth aged 18–30. These platforms, often marketed as "fantasy sports" or "skill-based gaming," leverage persuasive design principles to foster sustained engagement. Despite global evidence linking online gambling to financial precarity and mental health disorders, the Pakistani context remains critically underexamined. This mixed-methods study investigated the prevalence, patterns, predictors, and psychosocial consequences of betting app usage among Pakistani youth. A sample of 78 participants (M age = 23.4 years, SD = 3.1; 62.8% male, 37.2% female) completed an online survey, with a subsample of 12 participating in semi-structured interviews.

Quantitative findings indicated that 42.3% of users engaged with betting apps weekly, with 18.2% reporting daily use. Statistically significant correlations were found between frequency of use and increased financial stress (r = .67, p < .001), higher debt accumulation (r = .59, p < .001), and elevated scores on measures of depression (PHQ-9: r = .71, p < .001) and anxiety (GAD-7: r = .64, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed that frequency of use and perceived peer norms significantly predicted both financial distress (R² = .48) and anxiety symptoms (R² = .41). Qualitative analysis identified four core themes: The Illusion of Control, Social Normalization, Financial Desperation, and Psychological Spiral.

The convergence of findings underscores the urgent need for evidence-based regulation, targeted mental health interventions, enhanced financial literacy programs, and corporate responsibility to mitigate the risks posed by these platforms to Pakistani youth.