This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Gambling addiction is no longer merely an individual vulnerability but a public health crisis. The Turkey Gambling Report published by Yeşilay Academy in September 2025 lays bare the full scope of this crisis. The findings presented in the report reveal a striking picture regarding the prevalence of addiction its harms the legal framework and prevention and intervention strategies.
According to the World Health Organization 20 percent of individuals with gambling disorder have attempted suicide at least once. This rate is higher than that of any other type of addiction. Gambling addiction does not only cause economic devastation but also triggers a chain of consequences including psychological collapse domestic violence divorce and social isolation.
According to the report 10.1 percent of individuals aged 15 and over in Türkiye have gambled at least once in their lifetime. This corresponds to approximately 6.8 million people. Another particularly striking finding is the age of onset: 71 percent of gamblers began this behavior between the ages of 15 and 24.
Of those who reported having gambled in the past 30 days 6.6 percent accessed illegal betting platforms via mobile devices. The concentration is especially notable among men: 97.4 percent of individuals seeking help at YEDAM for gambling-related issues are male.
Recovery Rates of Clients Seeking Help for Alcohol Substance and Gambling Addiction (YEŞİLAY)
With technological advancement gambling is no longer confined to casinos but has migrated into smartphones tablets and gaming platforms. Young people are now exposed to gambling not only through traditional betting but also through systems such as loot boxes and skin gambling within games. These structures leave young people especially vulnerable to addiction.
Comparison of Alcohol Substance and Gambling-Related Referrals to YEDAM (YEŞİLAY)
Under Turkish law gambling is considered a misdemeanor while providing a venue for gambling is a criminal offense. However penalties for those who enable gambling through information systems are significantly harsher: imprisonment of three to six years is prescribed.
Similar restrictions exist under international law. The Court of Justice of the European Union recognizes gambling restrictions justified by public interest as legitimate. Thus every measure aimed at protecting individuals finds both ethical and legal grounding.
Age Range at Which Gambling Begins (YEŞİLAY)
The report emphasizes that preventing gambling addiction is far more cost-effective than treating it. According to U.S. data every dollar invested in prevention saves 18 dollars in treatment costs.
These programs reach a broad target group ranging from school-age children to at-risk youth.
The most effective methods for treating gambling addiction are:
Two main institutions providing these services in Türkiye:
AMATEM (affiliated with state hospitals)
YEDAM (Yeşilay Counseling Center): A completely free center offering services in all 81 provinces and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The report also highlights that in 2024 more individuals sought help at YEDAM for gambling addiction than for alcohol or substance addiction.
Gambling: A Public Health Issue
Prevalence and Risk Groups of Gambling in Türkiye
Gambling Expansion Through Digitalization
The Harms of Gambling: Three-Dimensional Destruction
Legal Framework: Is Gambling a Crime in Türkiye?
Prevention Strategies: Intervention Before Risk Emerges
Prevention Programs Implemented in Türkiye:
Treatment and Support Services