Online gambling emerges as growing social crisis in Türkiye
Online gambling is escalating into a significant social crisis in Türkiye, causing financial ruin, family breakdown, and psychological harm, particularly among young people.Summary
Online gambling is rapidly becoming a serious social crisis in Türkiye, driven by platforms promising easy money and leading to behavioral dependency, especially among vulnerable populations. Unlike substance addiction, it often remains hidden as individuals maintain outwardly normal lives while internally struggling with compulsive betting. Experts at Green Crescent (Yeşilay) report a dramatic increase in support requests related to gambling addiction, rising from 3,006 in 2022 to 5,748 in 2025, with the 20-40 age group most affected. The root causes extend beyond financial motives, often stemming from emotional needs and a search for belonging. Cases reveal how individuals, even those with higher education, are consumed by the pursuit of dopamine-fueled wins, leading to debt, deception, and psychological distress. The crisis was exacerbated by pandemic-related isolation, and experts emphasize that addressing this issue requires understanding the underlying psychological struggles rather than simply viewing it as a financial problem.
(Source：Daily Sabah)