The FGAs are applications in which users create a team of players from real-world sports, and points are scored based on their players’ performance

With fantasy gaming apps (FGAs) associated with depression, anxiety, social isolation, suicidality, substance use disorder, and other adverse mental health outcomes among the users, a Lancet article argues for measures across India to regulate these apps.

The studies have shown that increased time spent playing, researching, and thinking about fantasy football is associated with poor mental health scores and negative effects on wellbeing.

The Lancet article titled “Fantasy gaming apps and mental health in India,” points out, the use of fantasy gaming apps has been on the rise in India, possibly due to their endorsement by prominent celebrities, and this may be connected to an increase in mental health concerns among users.

The FGAs have attracted investments worth Rs 15,000 crore up to the 2022 financial year and have created employment opportunities for over 20,000 professionals. “Due to the significant dividends from this thriving industry, it is unlikely that the Indian Government will enforce a complete ban on FGAs,” the article says.

“If a complete ban on FGAs is not feasible, harm reduction measures should be implemented,” the article adds, calling for responsible use of FGAs such as setting limits on time and money spent on these apps.

The article calls on the celebrities endorsing FGAs to reconsider their endorsements due to their potential negative effects on the mental health of users.

“The Indian Government and advertisement platforms should minimize the display of these endorsements,” the article suggests and urges the government to ensure improved access to mental health-care services for those who develop mental health problems, including gambling disorder, through telephone helplines and easily accessible help centers.

The FGAs are applications in which users create a team of players from real-world sports, and points are scored based on their players’ performance.

People who use FGAs are expected to subsequently turn to hardcore gambling, either due to the positive experiences with FGAs or to recover their losses from using the apps.

“Therefore, the use of FGAs can be seen as a gateway behavior to hardcore gambling, and the issue may be more significant than it appears at first glance,” the article mentions. It also makes a case for carrying out studies to determine the prevalence of gambling disorder and gambling patterns among Indian users of FGAs will provide further insights into these occurrences.

“The Indian Government and non-governmental organizations should conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness among the general population about the effects of FGAs on mental health. These campaigns can help sensitize people to identify susceptible individuals and ensure close monitoring by their family and friends,” the article adds.

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