Dampak Sosial Dalam Penerapan Hukum Pidana Terhadap Tindak Pidana Perjudian Di Kabupaten Karanganyar

Gambling is a social phenomenon that has multidimensional impacts, not only in legal aspects but also in the social life of the community. In Karanganyar Regency, gambling practices are still found and cause social problems in the form of public order disturbances, psychological stress, and family economic vulnerability. Criminal law enforcement against gambling crimes is normatively based on the provisions of the Criminal Code, Law Number 7 of 1974 concerning the Regulation of Gambling, and its regulatory updates in Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. This study aims to analyze the application of criminal law to gambling crimes and the social impacts resulting from such law enforcement. The research method used is empirical legal research with a sociological approach. Data were obtained through interviews with law enforcement officials and the community, and supported by literature studies. Data were analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study indicate that the application of criminal law to gambling crimes has been carried out in accordance with applicable legal procedures, but is not optimal. This is influenced by low public legal awareness, the still-entrenched culture of gambling, limited law enforcement facilities, and the less than optimal implementation of updated sanctions in the new Criminal Code. Furthermore, criminal law enforcement has social impacts in the form of social stigma, psychological stress, and disruption of family functioning. Therefore, criminal law enforcement needs to be implemented more consistently and proportionally to optimally achieve its objectives.