Man Wins Big in Judol (Online Gambling) - Loses Twice the Amount 10 Minutes Later

In a cruel twist, Pak Hoaksono, a 30 year old from Jakarta, won Rp 25 million playing judol (online gambling), only to lose it and another Rp 50 million ten minutes later. “I thought I could win more after my big hit, but ten minutes later, I’d lost double,” Pak Hoaksono said. “Maybe it was an unlucky judol site.”

“Maybe it was an unlucky judol site.”

Indonesia’s judol epidemic is staggering, with the 2023 PPATK report citing Rp 327 trillion in transactions from 4 million players, including children. PPATK warns losses could reach Rp 1,000 trillion by 2025 if unchecked. A 2023 Populix survey found 84% of internet users see judol ads on Instagram and YouTube, luring players like Pak Hoaksono, who try to double or nothing. Instead of stepping away, Pak Hoaksono joined a Telegram group called “Judol Winners 4 Life,” where users shared tips and and advice on what could influence slot outcomes. “One guy said if you play during maghrib, your luck doubles,” he said. “So I tried that. It didn’t work.”

Ready to quit, Pak Hoaksono spotted an Instagram ad from a politician with initials B.A., promoting a judol site: “Deposit now, win 50% of your deposit!” The fine print? “Your total deposit is almost guaranteed to lose 100%—terms apply.”