Why Your Favorite Influencer Is Secretly Pushing a Gambling App on You
For months, a quiet investigation has been looking into a new and worrying trend in Pakistan: the rise of online gambling. The people driving this trend aren’t shadowy figures; they’re the very social media stars that millions of young Pakistanis follow every day.
The evidence, gathered from a long-term probe and insider reports, shows a troubling connection between a well-known online betting platform, “World 777,” and some of the country’s most popular influencers. These digital personalities have been paid to promote the app, using their platforms to get people hooked on risky online bets.
A list of prominent names has come up in the inquiry, including YouTubers and social media personalities like Nadir Ali, Aimen Zaman, Varda Malik, Javeria Aurangzeb, Abeera Khan, Faryal Fairy, Nauman Kazmi, and Furqan Khan. Their videos and posts, which have been widely shared, framed online betting as an easy way to make money or just a harmless game.
But the reality is far from harmless. This growing shadow economy is costing Pakistan dearly, with officials estimating that billions of rupees are being sent out of the country every single month. This isn’t just a financial hit for the nation; it’s a social disaster for its people.
“Every single rupee that leaves Pakistan through these apps is a hit to our economy,” said a high-ranking official working on the case. “And it’s everyday people, especially young Pakistanis, who are paying the price.”
Experts are now sounding the alarm about the serious human cost. Mental health experts are reporting a notable increase in cases of gambling addiction, particularly among young men. The promise of quick cash turns into a spiral of financial and psychological problems.
This whole situation has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Comment sections are full of people calling out the influencers for their part in what many are calling a national betrayal. Hashtags like #BanOnlineGambling and #ShameOnInfluencers have become popular, showing a clear public demand for the government to step in and fix the problem.
In response, authorities say they’re continuing to follow the money and identify the entire network behind these apps. Regulatory bodies are hinting at stricter laws and tougher consequences for both the companies and the individuals involved in promoting illegal betting.
