The Growing Threat of Online Gambling in Türkiye

Online gambling addiction has emerged as a pressing public health crisis in Türkiye, with addiction rates climbing alarmingly in the wake of the pandemic. According to Mehmet Dinç, head of the Green Crescent (Yeşilay), the accessibility of online platforms has made gambling nearly impossible to regulate, profoundly impacting individuals and families.

In 2023, 34,000 individuals sought help for gambling addiction, doubling the numbers from the previous year. These figures, Dinç warns, represent only the visible tip of the iceberg.

Why Online Gambling Is Harder to Control

Digital gambling platforms offer unprecedented accessibility. Operating 24/7, they create an environment where compulsive gambling habits can form quickly. Key factors exacerbating the problem include:

• Ease of Access: A smartphone and an internet connection are all it takes to gamble, removing traditional barriers.
• Behavioral Addiction: The instant gratification of online games fosters compulsive habits, making it difficult to quit.
• Aggressive Marketing: Digital platforms employ targeted ads that lure vulnerable individuals into betting.

Social and Economic Consequences

The rise in gambling addiction isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a societal one. Families are often financially devastated by the compulsive gambling of a single member, leading to fractured relationships and increased poverty rates.

Yeşilay has launched the Independence Campaign, aiming to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to combat this growing menace. By involving local leaders and grassroots efforts, the organization seeks to protect Türkiye’s youth from falling into the gambling trap.

Combating the Crisis

Education and community involvement are crucial in curbing online gambling addiction. Prevention efforts focus on raising awareness about the risks and equipping individuals with strategies to resist temptation.

Dinç emphasizes that recovery is possible, highlighting the success stories of those who have completed Yeşilay’s counseling programs. However, early intervention is critical.

A Call to Action

The battle against gambling addiction in Türkiye is far from over. As digital platforms evolve, so too must strategies for prevention and treatment. A combination of government regulation, community involvement, and personal responsibility is essential to protect future generations from the growing threat of online gambling.