The rise of online gambling in the Maldives is quietly but steadily wreaking havoc on society. Once a rare issue, gambling addiction is now spreading across the country, affecting professionals, business owners, and families alike. The consequences, though not always immediately visible, are severe and far-reaching.

One of the clearest examples can be seen in the legal profession. A lawyer, hired for his expertise, began relentlessly calling his clients—not for updates on their cases, but to ask for money to fund his gambling habit. This troubling behaviour has become increasingly common among professionals who have succumbed to addiction.

The problem extends beyond individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a close associate of a former minister was entrusted with managing the minister’s private building in Malé. Instead of fulfilling his responsibilities, this associate defrauded the minister of more than MVR 1.5 million, falsely claiming that tenants were unable to pay rent. Meanwhile, he pocketed advance payments from some of the building’s occupants, using the pandemic as cover for his deceit.

Businesses across the Maldives are also feeling the effects of gambling. A former Member of Parliament shared his experience of near financial ruin after losing millions of MVR. The funds were given to a trusted friend to purchase dollars but were never seen again. It’s likely that gambling, once again, played a role in this loss.

Friendships, too, are being strained. In one instance, a man bought an apartment from a close friend, only to find that the seller refused to vacate the property for months. Out of loyalty to their relationship, the buyer hesitated to take legal action, leaving him in a difficult position.

More concerning is how deeply embedded gambling has become among influential figures. Reports of MPs and even judges engaging in gambling are beginning to surface, raising questions about the integrity of those in key positions of authority. Once-powerful businessmen, many of whom held shares in leading companies, are now struggling under the weight of heavy debt, having lost control of their businesses due to their gambling habits.

The damage isn’t just financial. Families are being torn apart by the strain of addiction. Trust, the foundation of many relationships, is eroding, leaving behind fractured homes and broken ties. This quieter, less visible addiction is causing significant harm to the social fabric of the Maldives.

Despite the government’s commendable action in restricting access to pornographic websites, online gambling platforms remain easily accessible. For an Islamic nation like the Maldives, where strong moral values are held, this is a growing concern. The widespread availability of gambling sites stands in stark contrast to the societal values we claim to uphold.

If left unchecked, online gambling will continue to dismantle families, businesses, and communities across the Maldives. The government must act swiftly to block access to these platforms, just as it has done with other harmful content. Addressing this issue now is crucial to mitigating the social and economic costs to the country. The stakes are high, and the cost of inaction is steep.