Halted Ukraine grain deal, funding shortages rattle UN food aid programs

Halted Ukraine grain deal, funding shortages rattle UN food aid programs

Illegal betting invades cafes in Lebanon, targeting young people, leading to reported suicides and clashes

BEIRUT: The Lebanese security forces have arrested Jacques Barsoumian, known as “Jacques the King,” and others, in its battle against illegal betting on the internet.

The Court of Cassation’s Public Prosecution Office countenanced the move and investigations are ongoing to prosecute all criminals involved in online gambling who have been able to draw hundreds of young people into their dark world, while also denying the public treasury millions of dollars.

The online betting scandal peaked after a series of events took place in southern Lebanon and in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Children reportedly stole from their parents, sold their mothers’ jewelry, and even died by suicide as a result of getting hooked by betting.

Other incidents included heated disputes that turned into armed clashes.

The only licensed betting venue is at Beirut Horse Racing, while gambling is limited to Casino du Liban, by law, along with a number of licensed venues that impose age restrictions.

However, unlicensed gambling and betting platforms are now accessible to young people on their phones or in cafes in neighborhoods.

This has led to an increase in the number of those addicted to gambling, who believe