Date: 21.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Rising Concern Over Children’s Online Gambling in Türkiye

Türkiye is witnessing a troubling increase in children participating in online gambling, with some reports showing that even 9-year-olds are engaging in illegal betting activities. Despite efforts to regulate and combat the issue, illegal gambling sites continue to target vulnerable youth.

Yesilay Highlights Growing Problem

Yesilay, an organization dedicated to fighting addiction, recently exposed the alarming rise in online gambling among children in Türkiye.

According to Türkiye Today, the group’s counseling centers have reported a surge in addiction cases involving minors.

A key factor behind this worrying trend is the widespread availability of illegal betting platforms, many of which are promoted by internet influencers.

Although the Turkish government has introduced regulations aimed at curbing online gambling, enforcement remains a challenge as new betting sites continually emerge to replace those that are shut down.

Legislative Struggles Against Illegal Sites

Since the implementation of online gambling laws in 2006, Türkiye has shut down almost 400,000 illegal betting websites.

However, authorities face an uphill battle as new sites frequently appear to take their place.

Lawmakers are now considering harsher penalties and a comprehensive overhaul of existing regulations to better address the growing problem of illegal gambling targeting young people.

Cryptocurrency and Financial Evasion

One of the biggest obstacles in the fight against illegal gambling in Türkiye is the use of cryptocurrency, which allows operators to bypass traditional financial oversight.

This makes it difficult for regulators to track and disrupt illicit activities.

The Ministry of Treasury and Finance, alongside the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), is actively seeking solutions to this challenge in an effort to improve enforcement and curb illegal gambling transactions.

Government Efforts to Curb the Problem

Despite blocking around 20,000 illegal gambling websites each month, the Turkish government continues to struggle with the persistence of such sites.

The lack of competition in Türkiye’s legal betting market, which is monopolized by a single state-approved operator, further fuels the popularity of illegal platforms.

Unlike legal options, illegal betting sites offer higher odds and more flexible betting choices, such as the ability to bet on single games or specific match details, making them more attractive to users.

Economic and Social Impact

Illegal gambling has significant economic and social consequences in Türkiye.

Turkish MP Halil Ozturk recently warned parliament that illegal gambling affects around 10 million people in the country, with an estimated $10 billion being funneled out of Türkiye annually due to these activities.

This highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from the dangers of illegal gambling.