Card game uno has now become a façade for gambling. We tell you more...

Teenage gamblers

New thrills

Bunking classes!

A messy affair

Uno is no longer a simple card game, which children used to play to indulge themselves, it is now being used by the youngsters to earn a fast buck. And these youngsters aren't really scared that this uno gambling can cost them dearly. When NT visited one of these uno dens (a city café in West Nagpur) to investigate this alarming phenomenon, we found quite a few teenagers playing uno with plenty of moolah. The tables were set, the mood was upbeat and the lethal game involving big-money had just begun...It's shocking to learn that many teenagers are taking to uno gambling just because they have 'nothing better to do!' And the money at stake runs into thousands. The worst part is that students of Std IX and X are indulging in this new 'sport'.City youngsters are constantly looking for new thrills! Now that hookah parlours and pool parlours have been banned in Nagpur, uno seems to be the new thrill, which is keeping the youngsters engaged at home (when the parents are away), although they prefer the cafes to dodge their parents. Ankit Sighal (name changed), a student of Std XII defends his love for uno, saying, "Uno is a simple, easy game, which anyone can learn. So, this makes for an amazing leisure activity." Ask him if he's aware about the simple game turning into an illegal one (gambling at public place), and he says: "We know it is illegal, but we are enjoying it."Many parents will be alarmed to know that their kids are bunking classes to play these uno games! These youngsters tell lies at home just to make it to their fave den. When that's not possible, they veer things around, as per their convenience. Piyush (name changed), a student of BBA, says, "We discuss in advance with our friends about the most suitable time for the uno games. These days, we prefer evenings because we are all done with our chores and we can play for hours, uninterrupted!"But, this uno addiction comes at a price! NT has learnt about the mess some of these youngsters have got into. After losing big-time, some of the youngsters borrow money from their friends and get into heavy debts too. When they can't pay the money back, they get calls, where they are threatened with dire consequences. If that's not bad enough, they also steal their parents' debit cards to withdraw money on the sly to pay back their debts. Many of them flunk their exams as well. Yet, there is no remorse! Nimita Singh (name changed on request), a student of Std IX, who failed to clear her exams, stumps you, as she says: "We are just having some fun! And in this process, we are also earning some pocket money! What's wrong with that!"nagpurtimes@timesgroup.com