City youths in big bet league

CHANDIGARH: A study conducted by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) on betting during ICC Cricket World Cup among school/college students has revealed that Chandigarh is third among the seven cities when it comes to youths aged 15-19 gambling on cricket matches. After Delhi and Mumbai, Chandigarh had many youngsters (from class X to final year in college) betting as much as Rs 10,000-40,000 individually on each match.
ASSOCHAM analysts found out from over 500 school/college students in Chandigarh that they fix the gambling amount depending on which team was playing and against whom.
''As Australia, South Africa, England, West Indies and Pakistan are considered to be main contenders other than India, these students are investing higher money on matches involving these teams. Betting on newer teams like Holland and Ireland is minimal,'' stated an analyst.
The survey also discovered that these students were not contacting professional bookies to invest their pocket money. ''They are betting on the basis of the importance of a match among themselves and all transactions are carried out in hard cash,'' said ASSOCHAM's senior representative, Avdhesh Sharma.
ASSOCHAM secretary general DS Rawat said, ''An intriguing aspect that emerged in the study is that majority of students were former high school athletes, who saw a business opportunity in using their sports acumen in determining odds and making predictions. Besides, more youths are being introduced to gambling by their peers who are thriving on its financial benefits and their ability to use sports knowledge.''
Rawat added, ''Our surveyors contacted school and college students in their respective institutes' playgrounds and at common evening meeting joints to elicit their views about the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup betting and found that the Chandigarh students are not letting go of this opportunity.''
The study mentioned that youths expected that they were going to make Rs 2,000-15,000 per week over the period when World Cup lasted. ''Team India is the hot favourite amongst young punters followed by Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan, New Zealand and so on,'' said an analyst.
Rawat said, ''Many of the youths like the feeling of bonding they get out of gambling. There are some who are even selling off their personal belongings to bet on their favourite teams.''
''Money at stake ranges anywhere between Rs 500-80,000 in case of students,'' he added.
Delhi on top
Students in Delhi were at the forefront as they stake between Rs 15,000 and Rs 80,000 per match followed by those in Mumbai where it's in Rs 10,000- 60,000 range. Students in Ahemdabad were at fourth spot as they wagered Rs 5,000-30,000 per match whereas those in tended to bet Rs for 5,000-25,000. Young punters in Bangaluru put in anywhere between Rs 2,000-20,000 and in Hyderabad they staked between Rs 500 and 10,000 on WC matches
Master blaster
Interestingly, cricket-world's demi'god, Sachin Tendulkar was found to be the most betted upon player of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. ASSOCHAM's senior representative, Avdhesh Sharma said, 'Most of the the cricket-crazy students in Chandigarh were unanimous in their prediction for Sachin being the player of the tournament.'
Parenting issue
Government Medical College and Hospital's head of psychiatry, BS Chavan said, ''In Chandigarh, working couples tend to be busy and offer easy fluid money to their wards, so they can spend the way they like. And in this age of internet, children are exposed to many things at an early age and gambling is an enticing proposition. Peer pressure happens to be another important factor in leading children towards betting.''