In one European country, gambling addiction exceeds drug addiction

According to the organization's president, Associate Professor Mehmet Dinç, gambling addiction has surpassed drug addiction as the main problem reported by the Turkish Green Crescent (Yesil) – the country's national body for combating human addiction.

In his speech before the Children's Rights Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Dinç highlighted the growing prevalence of online gambling, especially among young people.

«For many years, we have received the most complaints related to drug addiction. However, this year, it has been overtaken by gaming addiction», — Dinç said. Reports of gaming addiction have increased from 24% in 2020 to 36% in 2024.

Dinch noted that gambling addiction often begins at age 15, while technology addiction, including internet addiction, begins as early as age 12. He also highlighted the alarming increase in the number of reports of technology addiction: from 5% previously to 6.19% in 2024.

The highest number of cases of gaming addiction were recorded in:

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Izmir
• Bursa
• Antalya

“Unfortunately, gambling advertisements are widely visible in places where children and young people can see it,” said Dinch. He warned of the close link between gaming addiction and suicide risks, with many people seeking help from Green Crescent as a last resort.