According to https://www.lyricsgoo.com/lakhs-on-luck-why-middle-class-indians-are-money-games-more-than-ever/ we have seen gambling on the rise in recent years, especially with the economic and cultural changes. I think one of the main factors is the economic instability you mentioned. Many people, especially in the middle class, are facing financial hardship due to high expenses on education, housing and healthcare. In this context, gambling seems to be a way to improve their financial situation. But there is a cultural side to it too. In India, like many other countries, gambling is perceived as something ‘forbidden’ or ‘guilty’, but in recent years, this culture has been changing. Online casinos and mobile apps have made gaming more accessible. Earlier, to gamble, you had to go to a land-based casino, which was not an option for everyone. Now, you can gamble on your phone, and people are starting to accept it as part of their entertainment.