Growing Concern: Gambling Addiction Surpasses Drug Addiction in Türkiye

Gambling addiction has reached alarming levels in Türkiye, overtaking drug addiction as the leading concern reported to the Turkish Green Crescent, a prominent organization focused on health and addiction issues. This alarming revelation comes from the organization’s president, Associate Professor Mehmet Dinc, during a presentation to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye’s Children’s Rights Commission. With a notable rise in online gambling and its accessibility, Dinc’s insights shed light on a growing public health crisis, particularly affecting the nation’s youth.

The Emergence of Gambling Addiction

Historically, Turkish Green Crescent received the majority of their applications related to drug addiction. However, recent statistics indicate a significant shift. The percentage of applications regarding gambling addiction surged from 24% in 2020 to a troubling 36% in 2024. "For years, we received the most applications related to drug addiction. However, this year, gambling addiction has overtaken it,” Dinc stated, emphasizing the urgent need for concern and action.

Dinc pointed to the increasing prevalence of online gambling as a critical factor, especially among younger populations. The age at which many young people begin engaging in gambling behaviors is as young as 15, with technology-related addictions frequently manifesting even earlier, at around the age of 12.

Youth at Risk: The Impact of Technology

The correlation between technology and gambling addiction is particularly striking. With the rise of mobile devices and online platforms, the allure of gambling has never been more accessible. Dinc noted a concurrent uptick in reports of technology addiction, which rose from previously documented levels of 5% to approximately 6.19% in 2024. The compounding issues surrounding technology dependency are troubling, as they often serve as gateways to gambling behaviors.

As young individuals become immersed in a digital world rife with advertising and easy access to gambling, they often lack the necessary tools to resist its temptations. Dinc warns of the spiral that can ensue when technology and gambling coalesce, leading to profound implications for mental health and overall wellbeing.

Urban Centers and Gambling Addiction

The statistics reveal a concerning trend concentrated in Türkiye’s major cities, where reports of gambling addiction are the highest. According to the data, the cities experiencing the greatest number of gambling addiction cases include:

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Izmir
• Bursa
• Antalya

Dinc remarked on the pervasive nature of gambling advertisements, many of which are strategically placed where children and young people are likely to encounter them. This exposure not only normalizes gambling but also intertwines it with the daily lives of impressionable youth.

The Dark Link Between Gambling and Suicide

One of the most alarming revelations from Dinc’s presentation is the connection between gambling addiction and the increased risk of suicide. “Unfortunately, gambling advertisements are widely visible in places where children and young people can see them,” Dinc stated. He explained that many individuals seeking help from the Green Crescent often do so at critical junctures, with some having already contemplated suicide. The organization has noted a stark correlation: those grappling with gambling addiction face a dramatically heightened risk of suicidal ideation and action.

The reality is grim, as many individuals only reach out for help when they find themselves at their lowest point, illustrating the urgent need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.

Cyberbullying: An Alarming Concomitant Threat

In addition to the pressing issue of gambling addiction, Dinc highlighted the growing threat of cyberbullying, which often overlaps with other digital risks—including online harassment, pornography, and gambling elements embedded in video games. The consequences of cyberbullying can be devastating, leading to depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and even criminal behavior.

“Cyberbullying is more of a parallel issue with cyber harassment, pornography, gambling, and sexual elements in the content of digital games, all of which seriously harm our children and young people,” Dinc explained. The implications of these interconnected issues are multidimensional and can severely impact the youth population’s mental health and educational performance.

Addressing the Crisis

Given the increasing rates of gambling and technology addiction among youth, significant steps must be taken to raise awareness and implement protective measures. Community organizations, educational institutions, and governmental bodies need to collaborate in developing resources that educate young people about the risks of gambling and technology misuse while also promoting healthy habits and coping strategies.

Moreover, regulatory bodies must critically assess the current landscape of gambling advertisements and their accessibility to young audiences. Efforts to restrict these advertisements could potentially mitigate the normalization of gambling among youth and help in reducing the incidence of addiction and its associated risks.

Conclusion

The rising tide of gambling addiction in Türkiye is a stark reality that demands immediate attention and action. With alarming rates of addiction surpassing those related to drugs, it is crucial for society to respond with awareness, education, and preventive measures. As young people navigate an increasingly digital world, fostering healthy habits, providing support, and creating constructive conversations around gambling is essential for safeguarding their mental health and wellbeing in the years to come. In shaping effective solutions, Türkiye can work toward reversing this troubling trend and protecting its youth from the clutches of addiction.