How Common Is Gambling Addiction in India?

India does not have a single national number yet. But regional, peer-reviewed studies show that problem gambling exists in a meaningful minority of young people. In Kerala, a large college study found 7.4% had problem gambling (with 19.5% having ever gambled). A school study from the same region found 7.1% problem gamblers among high-schoolers (with 27.9% having ever gambled). For context, a global meta-analysis estimates around ~1.9% problem gambling in the general population. If gambling is affecting your sleep, studies or work, centres like Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness (Mumbai) offer confidential screening and care.

Because India lacks a nationwide prevalence survey for gambling disorder, we rely on state- and campus-based studies. Two well-designed Indian studies from Kerala provide the clearest picture so far:

• College students (Kerala): Among 5,580 students, 19.5% had ever gambled and 7.4% met criteria for problem gambling. Problem gambling correlated with academic failures, substance use, higher psychological distress and suicidality—showing real-world impact, not just hobby use.
• High-school students (Kerala): In 4,989 teens, 27.9% had ever gambled and 7.1% were problem gamblers; sports betting and lottery were most common.

These figures imply that while most Indians who gamble do not develop a disorder, a non-trivial minority do, especially in youth samples. Internationally, the burden varies: a 2024 meta-analysis reports ~1.9% problem gambling in the general population, reminding us that local numbers can be higher in specific groups (e.g., adolescents, college campuses, high-exposure settings).