Turkey is facing increasing concern over the rise of youth gambling, particularly through online platforms. Recent controversy has erupted following data from Yesilay, Turkey’s leading anti-addiction organisation, which highlights a sharp increase in gambling addiction cases. Of particular concern is the growing participation of minors, including children as young as nine, who are accessing online gambling sites, partly because of inadequate age verification systems and the use of cryptocurrencies for transactions.
A recent Türkiye Today article suggests Yesilay saw a sharp increase in cases related to gambling addiction. “The number of applications seeking treatment for gambling addiction is rising, with the majority of them stemming from online gambling,” they reported. This underscores the urgent need to address the country’s youth gambling crisis. Critics argue that despite Turkey’s stringent regulations, the internet’s reach and weak oversight have created a perfect storm for illegal gambling to thrive among vulnerable demographics.
Illegal gambling and its consequences
Illegal gambling has long been a problem in Turkey, despite the government’s efforts to limit gambling activities to state-controlled lotteries and sports betting. Despite the ban on physical casinos, with an exception of a few operating in designated tourism zones, illegal betting is thriving online. Websites offering better odds than state-regulated platforms attract users, including minors, by bypassing legal restrictions and exploiting weak enforcement measures.
Turkey’s youth are susceptible to illegal gambling because of the widespread availability of smartphones and internet access. Many illegal gambling sites allow minors to place bets with minimal oversight, contributing to the rise in addiction. A surge in illegal gambling among young people is being partially attributed to internet influencers. This growing trend has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, public officials, and child welfare advocates. The psychological, social, and economic impacts of early gambling exposure are significant, with some minors falling into a cycle of addiction that leads to severe long-term consequences.
Government response to the growing crisis
In response to the rise of illegal gambling, the Turkish government has ramped up efforts to crack down on unlicensed platforms. Authorities have conducted many operations to shut down illegal betting sites, but the sheer size of the market, which involves millions of Turkish citizens and generates billions of lira annually, presents a massive challenge.
Lawmakers have also called for stricter penalties for illegal gambling operators and for improved digital regulations to protect minors. Some MPs have proposed using advanced technology to monitor betting sites more effectively and prevent underage users from accessing them. These measures would include mandatory age verification systems that utilise biometric data or artificial intelligence to prevent minors from registering on illegal platforms.
However, many experts argue these measures are not enough. Although the government occasionally restricts access to illegal websites, these platforms often resurface under new domains, making it difficult to eliminate them entirely. As a result, Turkey is in a race against time to enforce its gambling laws more effectively.
Technology and the role of mobile access
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in youth gambling is the widespread use of mobile phones. Young people, in particular, are vulnerable to gambling advertisements that appear across social media and mobile apps. These ads often promote illegal platforms, drawing minors into gambling environments with the promise of easy money.
While legal gambling operators are required to implement stringent age verification processes, many illegal platforms fail to do so. Cryptocurrency has also facilitated the operations of these illegal sites, allowing them to evade financial scrutiny. By using digital currencies, illegal operators can obscure their transactions, making it harder for authorities to track and shut them down.
The ease with which minors can access illegal gambling sites, combined with the lack of robust age verification and the growing use of cryptocurrency, presents a significant challenge for regulators.
The social impact of youth gambling
The rise of youth gambling in Turkey is not just an economic or legal issue. It has profound social implications. Studies have shown that early exposure to gambling can lead to long-term addiction, which affects not only mental health but also academic performance, family relationships, and social development. The addictive nature of gambling can trap minors in a cycle of dependency that is difficult to break.
Many parents, educators, and lawmakers are calling for more comprehensive education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of underage gambling. These campaigns aim to teach young people about responsible online behaviour and the risks associated with gambling. Besides public education, there is also a need for more robust government support for addiction treatment and rehabilitation services, particularly for young people.
Turkey is facing an alarming rise in youth gambling, exacerbated by the widespread availability of online betting platforms. While the government has made efforts to shut down illegal gambling sites, the growing use of mobile technology and weak age verification processes have allowed these platforms to thrive. To protect its youth, Turkey must strengthen its regulatory framework and invest in public education campaigns. Stricter enforcement, combined with innovative technological solutions, is crucial to address this growing crisis.
*Yesilay is a non-governmental organisation based in Turkey that focuses on preventing and combating addiction. It promotes healthy living through educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation services. The organisation also works with schools, communities, and governments to reduce the social and health impacts of addiction. Its mission, rooted deeply in protecting public health, drives its collaboration both nationally and internationally to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse and addiction.
You can read the Türkiye Today article here.
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