🎮 “Just One More Game…” – When Fun Becomes a Trap

We all need a break. A little distraction.
For some, it’s music. For others, it’s Netflix.
And for many today — it’s online gaming.

But what happens when “just one more game” turns into five hours, a ruined relationship, or worse — a financial disaster?

Recently, a shocking case came to light — a successful businessman from Navi Mumbai lost ₹2.75 crore in online games. Not in business. Not in stocks. But in a digital world that promised thrills… and ended up destroying peace of mind.

As a psychiatrist, I see this pattern more often than people imagine.
It doesn’t start with money.
It starts with stress. Escape. Loneliness. Or just… boredom.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Why online gaming becomes addictive

• The warning signs (symptoms) to watch for

• What causes it (etiology)

• And real-life examples from my clinical practice

Let’s talk about this openly. Because the gaming industry isn’t slowing down — but your life doesn’t need to spiral with it.

Symptoms (What You May Notice):

1. ✅ Can’t stop playing even when you know it’s hurting your life
   E.g., Skipping work or staying up all night to play.

2. 🔄 Loss of control
   You play for “just 10 minutes” but end up playing for 6 hours.

3. 😟 Irritability or restlessness when not playing
   Feeling angry or bored without the game.

4. 💸 Spending large amounts of money on games or in-game purchases
   Like losing ₹2.75 crores as mentioned in the news.

5. 👥 Neglecting relationships
   Avoiding family gatherings or fights with spouse because of gaming.

6. 📉 Poor work or study performance
   Missing deadlines, reduced productivity.

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Etiology (Why It Happens):

1. 🧠 Dopamine Hit – Games give a “reward rush” in the brain
   Just like drugs, gaming can be addictive by activating pleasure centers.

2. 🧒 Started Young – Started playing early in life
   Develops into a habit before the brain matures fully.

3. 😞 Coping Mechanism – To escape stress, depression, or boredom
   Gaming becomes a way to avoid real-life problems.

4. 💬 Peer Pressure & Trends
   Seeing others play or win money makes you feel left out.

5. 👪 Lack of parental control or supervision in childhood
   When screen time is not regulated early on.

Epidemiology

• The online gaming industry in India is projected to nearly triple in value—from ₹16,428 crore in 2023 to ₹33,243 crore by 2028. Rest of World+15Hindustan Times+15Hindustan Times+15PMCHindustan TimesDW+1The Times of India+1

• WHO included gaming disorder in ICD‑11 in 2018. It’s recognized as a behavioral addiction. Hindustan Times+1The Times of India+1

• In India, estimates suggest millions engage in fantasy gaming—only a fraction recognize harm before debt or emotional collapse. Rest of World+1Al Jazeera+1

History

• Historically, gambling has existed for centuries—but digital gaming addiction is new.

• Fantasy sports boom began around 2019–2020 in India, especially during IPL seasons. Companies like Dream11, MPL surged. G2G News+9Rest of World+9m.economictimes.com+9

• Slowly, mental health infrastructure began recognizing gaming addiction—India’s Maharashtra health department even drafted SOPs for mental health impact linked to e‑gaming. The Times of India

Pathogenesis

Internally, this cycle works like:

1. First big win—triggers dopamine surge

2. Reinforcement—platform shows inflated balances, teases rewards

3. Losses—in real money, but the mind chases the illusion

4. Tolerance—more risk, larger deposits, even selling property

5. Withdrawal—anxiety, depression, shame, financial despair

The brain’s reward system gets hijacked. Addiction physiology meets financial harm

⚠️ The Navi Mumbai Scam – What Happened

• Between December 2022 and April 2025, a 42-year-old businessman from Koparkhairane routed approximately ₹3.24 crore into an online gaming platform.

• He withdrew about ₹50 lakh, but the remaining ₹2.74 crore vanished. The Times of India+2m.economictimes.com+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+7ThePrint+7business-standard.com+7Hindustan Times+2www.ndtv.com+2business-standard.com+2

• Early on, small wins cemented trust. As the scam deepened, his account was deactivated and reactivated without explaination. Eventually, support vanished. Hindustan Times

• He filed a complaint in May 2025 under cyber fraud laws (IT Act Section 66D, etc.), and an FIR was registered. www.ndtv.com+8Hindustan Times+8Free Press Journal+8

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🧠 Why This Matters—and What You Can Do

Behavior seen here—gambling-like addiction, denial, financial despair—is increasingly common.

If you suspect someone is slipping:

• Notice nagging thoughts like “just one more win”

• Watch for secretive money transfers or mood swings

• Encourage open conversation without blame

Support systems help. Addiction therapy, financial counseling, peer support are effective.

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👨‍⚕️ Real-Life Perspective (From Clinic Experience)

I once met a college student who came in with complaints of fatigue and concentration problems. His parents thought it was depression. On deeper discussion, we found he was gaming late into the night for 6–7 hours straight, failing exams, and lying about it.

He didn’t even realize it had become a problem.

Treatment started with behavioral therapy, setting timing limits, replacing gaming time with physical activity, and using family support as a structure. He gradually improved, but it took time, and a lot of patience.

📞 Need Help?

At Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur, we provide compassionate, confidential care for gambling or gaming-related distress.

Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD (Psychiatrist & Counsellor)
📞 Call: +91‑8208823738

You’re not alone—and recovery is possible with the right guidance.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is intended for public education and awareness only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, or financial advice. For personalized assistance, consult a qualified mental health professional.