Gambling Addiction

The concept of gambling is the name given to all games played in daily life, from coin tossing to card games, and basically to earn money. Gambling addiction is the situation where a person continues to gamble despite the negative effects on their life. The inclusion of games in daily life has made gambling a part of daily life. Gambling is actually one of the most common addiction types worldwide (Köseliören, 2017).

In its most basic sense, we divide gambling into two: virtual-mobile gambling and indoor gambling

INDOOR GAMBLES

With the increase in game areas, indoor gambling has become widespread. Indoor gambling has many different types, primarily Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Bezik, Betting, Iddia, Lottery, Horse Racing and Poker (https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumar).

While some of these gambling types are illegal in our country, a significant portion of them are legal under state control. The legality of gambling types such as betting, horse racing and lottery causes people to consider them normal and increase addiction.

Almost all of the gambling types we listed above are also played in the virtual world today.

VIRTUAL-MOBILE GAMBLES

In recent years, with the full integration of technology into our lives, interest in virtual-mobile gambling has increased tremendously. The fact that people can gamble with a single click has had a great impact on the increase in gambling addiction. While some of mobile gambling is legal, it is known that a significant portion is illegal.

The illegal betting industry has grown significantly, especially in recent years. The factors that make illegal betting attractive are; the hope of earning more, easy accessibility and the opportunity to gamble without being exposed to social pressures. In addition, since illegal betting activities are carried out in a very secretive manner, money flow begins as soon as mutual trust is established between the gambler and the bettor.

With the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been major financial flows in this area. According to the Illegal Betting Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic report published by the Asian Racing Federation in 2021, the pandemic has had a transformative effect on gambling. During the pandemic, millions of people who stayed home turned away from traditional sports betting and towards betting in areas such as e-sports. The total value of money invested in e-sports in 2020 increased from $9 billion to $13 billion (A Report of Illegal Betting Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic, May 2021).

Another problem experienced in illegal betting is the fixing of matches by players, referees and teams. Bettors who know the results of the competition in advance significantly increase their profits. Europol, the police agency of the European Union, claimed that there may be fixing in 680 matches worldwide. (https://www.bbc.com/turkce/spor/2013/02/130220_illegal_bet_altipas).

Turkey is also negatively affected by this large-scale virtual gambling industry worldwide. It is known that Swedish virtual gambling companies earn 1/4 of their income from Turkey. Similarly, 2.5% of the $5 billion gambling income in the world is also obtained from Turkey. Its population of 84 million and its young population potential cause international gambling companies to set their sights on Turkey. (The Role of Civil Society in the Fight Against Substance Addiction and Addictions, 2020). On the other hand, the fact that we are exposed to betting advertisements in every area of our daily lives and the inadequacy of criminal sanctions in illegal betting increases the interest in this type of gambling day by day.

BASIC SYMPTOMS OF GAMBLING ADDICTION

Being preoccupied with gambling in a way that disrupts daily routines Regularly gambling in increasing amounts

Staying away from gambling or trying to control the game but failing in these attempts
Changing mood when not gambling (restlessness, tension, etc.)
Gambling to overcome psychological problems
Trying to win back money lost in gambling by gambling
Lying to hide gambling
Having problems in family, work or social life due to gambling (Skipping school, not going to work, not being able to evaluate opportunities in work or school life, etc.)
Getting into debt due to financial problems due to gambling
Committing crimes to find money for gambling (Theft, fraud, etc.)
(https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder)

WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF GAMBLING?

Gambling addicts cause serious harm to themselves, their environment and the society they live in. They also pose a significant risk in terms of attempts to engage in crime.

First of all, gambling addicts cause serious harm to their own psychology. Due to the environments they are in, it is easier for them to reach and get involved in other addictive substances.