THE PULSE OF THE CASINO INDUSTRY

More Indonesian Regions Say Online Casino Use is Driving Divorce Wave

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Image: Sandy Millar

Indonesian regions say divorce rates are rising, with courts claiming that a rise in online casino use is driving families apart.

The Tarempa Religious Court, which deals with civil law in the Anambas Islands Regency, said it has already concluded 33 divorces in the first four months of the year.

It is dealing with a further 60 active cases, the vast bulk of which were instigated by women. And most of these cases make mention of online gambling or illegal loans.

The court said divorce rates are on a fast-increasing upward trajectory, the Indonesian media outlet Batam Pos reported.

Tarempa District Court Judge Irma Zhafira Nur Shabrina Hajidah said the figure was “relatively high, compared to Anambas’s relatively small population.”

Tarempa Harbor, in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands Regency.
Tarempa Harbor, in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands Regency (Image: a_rabin [CC BY 2.0])

“Most of the families are now financially deprived. Infidelity does occur, but it’s not widespread. Gambling remains the most prevalent factor in divorce cases,” the judge said.

The court called on lawmakers to provide more education on family finances.

Indonesian Regions: Divorce Rates Spike Due to Online Gambling

Figures in Bojonegoro Regency confirm online gambling-driven divorce is a nationwide trend.

The court said that early 2026 data shows women are now almost 50% more likely than men to file for divorce. The majority of these women are under 30, the Bojonegoro Religious Court said, per the Indonesian media outlet Kabarpasti.

“A significant number of women choose to separate because their husbands no longer fulfill their financial responsibilities due to their addiction to online gambling,” said Sholikin Jamik, the court’s Chief Clerk.

The court blamed “the pressures of a digital lifestyle and instant gratification culture” for the rise. It said that financial literacy is one of the “keys to maintaining a strong marriage.”

In the Bogor Regency, meanwhile, data from the West Java Central Statistics Agency shows courts have handled 175 divorce cases related to online gambling this year.

The agency’s data shows Bogor tops the charts for online casino user-related divorce cases, the Indonesian media outlet Pojok Bogor reported.

Following behind in second place was Cianjur Regency with 102 cases, followed by Bandung Regency with 68 cases.

Families at Risk

Other parts of West Java also posted high numbers. These included Ciamis with 51 cases, Sumedang with 41 cases, and Indramayu with 36 cases.

Four other West Java regions also reported over 25 online gambling-related divorce cases filed this year.

“This phenomenon shows that the impact of online gambling is not only economic. It also damages family relationships,” said a West Java official. “It is leading directly to divorce.”

The reports follow similar complaints from courts in areas like the Bungo Regency and Kendari, the capital of the province of Southeast Sulawesi.

Tim Alper

Tim Alper iGaming Journalist

Tim Alper is a journalist covering betting news and regulation for CasinoBeats, with a focus on regulatory developments and international markets. He reports on breaking stories across Europe and Asia, including gambling law changes and crackdowns on illegal betting platforms.

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