Indonesia Sees Another Post-Eid Surge in Online Gambling Deposits – iGamingToday.com

Indonesian authorities have observed a significant increase in online gambling deposits following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking a repeating pattern for the second consecutive year. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) is monitoring financial activity and collaborating with banks to freeze accounts linked to illegal gambling.

Online Gambling Deposits Surge After Eid al-Fitr

PPATK officials reported a sharp rise in suspicious transactions connected to online gambling during and immediately after the Eid holiday period, which took place between March 19th and 20th. Figures for late March are already higher than those recorded in January and February, with a full report expected in April.

This trend mirrors activity from 2025, when the Eid holiday occurred on March 29th and 30th. In January 2025, deposits to illegal gambling sites totaled IDR 2.96 trillion (approximately $175 million). This rose to IDR 3.05 trillion ($180 million) in February, before decreasing to IDR 2.59 trillion in March.

However, deposits jumped 96% to IDR 5.08 trillion ($300 million) in April 2025, before decreasing to IDR 2.29 trillion ($153 million) in May. Officials cite this sequence as evidence that gambling deposits typically increase after the holiday period, rather than leading up to it.

PPATK chief Ivan Yustiavandana stated that online gambling deposits typically rise after the holiday period ends, coinciding with increased money circulation throughout the country.

Increased Free Time Linked to Activity

Experts suggest that the increased free time during the Eid holiday contributes to the rise in gambling activity. PPATK is actively monitoring for a post-holiday surge in suspicious transactions on channels used by illegal gambling operators.

The agency’s automated monitoring system scans bank account activity for indications of online gambling and works with banks to quickly address suspicious deposits or withdrawals. While this year’s specific figures are pending, PPATK confirms that late-March activity is significantly higher than January and February levels.

Crackdown Continues Despite Illegality

Despite being illegal, online gambling continues to attract participants in Indonesia. The government has been working to curb the activity, including targeting casino apps and online gambling platforms. Recent enforcement efforts have yielded financial returns for the state, with prosecutors in West Jakarta transferring approximately $31.3 million to state coffers after dismantling an online casino and associated money-laundering network.

However, the social impacts of gambling are becoming increasingly apparent. Medical professionals have warned of the strain on mental health facilities due to a growing number of gambling addicts, with some hospitals operating at 90% capacity. Doctors also link the problem to increased gambling-related crime and a rise in divorce cases linked to illegal casino addiction.