Content Writer: Janice Chew • Sunday, 25/11/2025 - 20:11:50 - PM
A recent report reveals that Indonesia has seen an estimated US$5.6 billion in online-gambling turnover, despite the fact that most Indonesian players reportedly earn less than US$305 per month. The scale of the turnover signals a massive underground industry in the country, one that nominally thrives despite low individual earnings.
The disconnect between high aggregate turnover and low player earnings suggests that the majority of participants are operating from weak financial positions—engaging in gambling with limited disposable income. This raises questions about the socio-economic impact of illegal online betting on vulnerable communities, especially given that earnings below US$305/month place many players in low-income brackets.
The figure of US$5.6 billion closely aligns with other government and media estimates of illegal online gambling in Indonesia. Previous data has indicated that online gambling may have been worth nearly US$20 billion and involved over three million citizens. Regulatory authorities are increasingly alert: in June, the government announced a crackdown on more than two million online gambling websites, describing the activity as “blood sucking” due to its impact on families and finances.
The mismatch between high turnover and low player income highlights the risks of exploitation and extreme financial strain on individuals participating in online gambling. For policy-makers and regulators in Indonesia, it underscores the urgency of stronger enforcement, financial education, and support systems to mitigate the harm. For observers and investors, this also reflects the opaque nature of the country’s online-gambling ecosystem and the inherent volatility of participating in or around it.
