Gambling Addiction Outpaces Drug Abuse as Turkey’s Top Concern in 2024
Lina Almans
19 December 2024
Comment 0
Gambling addiction has become a more pressing issue in Turkey than drug addiction, according to remarks made in Parliament by Mehmet Dinc, president of the Turkish Green Crescent (Yesilay)*, as reported by Türkiye Today.
“For years, we received the most applications related to drug addiction. However, this year, gambling addiction has overtaken it,” Dinc explained.
In 2020, gambling addiction accounted for 24% of all inquiries to the Green Crescent, but that figure has climbed to 36% in 2024.
Particularly alarming, Dinc noted, is the prevalence of gambling problems among teens as young as 15.
“Unfortunately, gambling advertisements are widely visible in places where children and young people can see them,” he emphasized. The cities with the highest recorded cases include Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya.
While most forms of gambling are outlawed in Turkey, exceptions include the state lottery and the government-backed betting platform IDDAA, which is authorized to offer online betting. Offshore operators, however, remain popular among Turkish gamblers.
* Turkish Green Crescent is a charity focused on combating addiction to alcohol, drugs, and other substances. It was founded on March 5, 1920, in Istanbul.
Best Bonuses
Binance Referral ID — Inviter Code
Active Until: 22.12.2029
Along with up to $100 in welcome rewards, you receive a 5% fee rebate on Spot trading and a 5% fee rebate on Futures trading.
Win Win Promo Code – Valid Bonus Code Today
Active Until: 22.12.2028
Get 100% first-deposit bonus for sports betting, followed by extra bonuses on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th deposits after the welcome bonus has been wagered.
BitStarz Bonus Code – Welcome Bonus
Active Until: 22.12.2026
BitStarz offers a welcome bonus: up to $500 or 5 BTC, plus extra rewards after your first deposit.
Best Linebet Promo Code for New Users: 2 Welcome Bonuses
Active Until: 22.12.2026
Up to 1766 USD + 150 free spins for casino or a 100% sports bonus up to 117.89 USD on the first deposit.
Working 888starz.bet Promo Code – Sports & Casino Bonus
Active Until: 22.12.2027
Promo code unlocks the full welcome package, including up to €1500 + 150 Free Spins in the casino and up to €400 in sport.
Working Pinco Promo Code 2026 – Elite Welcome Rewards
Active Until: 22.12.2026
New players at Pinco can claim a 160% casino bonus on their first deposit by registering with the promo code GPARK.
