THE DARK SIDE OF DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT: THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF ONLINE GAMBLING

This descriptive-phenomenological study examined the devastating effects of online gambling among ten participants in Zamboanga Peninsula Region 9, consisting of five professionals, three students, and two non-professional laborers. Using purposive sampling, data were analyzed thematically to capture the essence of participants’ lived experiences. Findings revealed five major themes: financial ruin and economic instability, psychological distress and mental health struggles, strained family relationships and social isolation, addictive behaviors and loss of self-control, and coping mechanisms and attempts at recovery. Results showed that participants suffered from debt, loss of savings, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and social withdrawal, while many also described the compulsive nature of gambling and their inability to regulate behavior. However, coping strategies such as religious practices, family support, lifestyle diversion, and interest in professional counseling provided pathways for recovery. The study highlights that online gambling is not merely an individual concern but a pressing socio-economic and mental health issue that demands community-based responses. The findings call for comprehensive interventions in Region 9, including public education campaigns, financial literacy initiatives, and accessible mental health services, to mitigate the destructive impact of online gambling. Keywords: Online Gambling, Financial Ruin, Psychological Distress, Family Conflict.