Online color-guessing game-related gambling disorder in a young adult: A case report

Gambling disorder is a persistent pattern of gambling behaviour that leads to significant bio-psycho-social impairment. It increasingly manifests through online platforms due to accessibility, anonymity, and rapid reinforcement cycles. This case report is of a 26-year-old male with a 2.5-year history of online color-guessing game-related gambling disorder, characterized by escalating financial losses, cognitive distortions, and a brief depressive episode. A multimodal strategy was used, which included naltrexone to reduce cravings, cognitive behavioural therapy to address maladaptive beliefs, financial planning, and family intervention. This case demonstrates how circumstances such as access to financial resources can cause relapse. To address the growing problem of online gambling in India, it highlights the importance of early diagnosis, integrated care, and public health measures, including the need for strict law enforcement.