Online betting frenzy pulls Türkiye’s youth into gambling addiction
Online gambling is surging in Türkiye, particularly among young people, despite a 1996 ban on casinos, leading to a rise in addiction.Summary
Despite a nationwide ban on casinos since 1996, gambling has resurfaced in Türkiye through online platforms, fueled by increased smartphone access and aggressive marketing, especially targeting youth. Experts at the Turkish anti-addiction organization Green Crescent (Yeşilay) report that gambling addiction now surpasses substance addiction, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry’s marketing strategies. Addicts describe a deepening dependence with online access, leading to significant life disruption and financial losses. The shift to digital platforms makes addiction harder to detect, as it's often perceived as a harmless habit rather than a serious health condition. Yeşilay is implementing prevention programs reaching millions of students and advocating for stronger regulations, including a complete ban on gambling advertisements, to combat this growing public health issue and address the industry’s shifting of responsibility onto individuals.
(Source：Daily Sabah)