The new face of gambling: Virtual traps and the threshold of social collapse

The following words, spoken by a doctor, point to a crisis that can no longer be ignored:

"In my practice, I am seeing more gambling, betting, and virtual gaming/virtual betting behavioral disorders and addictions than I have ever seen in my professional life... This addiction is often seen concurrently with alcohol and substance use (especially with cannabis and cocaine). There is going to be a massive social explosion in this area."

A social explosion... A doctor says that cases of gambling addiction are rising rapidly and that this is progressing alongside alcohol and substance addiction. This is not just an individual problem; it is a wave of collapse that is drawing in a large segment of society. Moreover, this collapse is progressing silently.

In the past, gambling was seen as a form of entertainment. People would go to specific venues, play by specific rules, and take a break for a while when they lost. Now, the situation is completely different. Gambling is now in everyone's pocket, accessible at any moment, and has taken on an invisible form of addiction. Logging into a betting site has become easier than lighting a cigarette.

But the real issue is this: Virtual gambling addiction is not just a matter of losing money. It is a type of addiction that has become a component of psychological, economic, and social collapse. So, how did this collapse begin and where is it heading?

GAMBLING AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY: THE DEEPENING FACE OF CRISES

Gambling addiction cannot be explained solely by personal willpower. People trapped within the economic system are now pinning their hopes on these types of "get-rich-quick" dreams. In a society where it has become almost impossible to get rich by working, people are starting to look for shortcuts. And that shortcut usually leads to a deep quagmire.

Especially for people in low-income groups, gambling is presented as a way out. But this way out is actually nothing more than a pit. They start with small bets. As they lose, the urge to "I must win it back" kicks in. When they win, the feeling of "I can play bigger" emerges. This cycle eventually results in financial collapse.

Moreover, this picture now encompasses millions. The number of people estimated to be addicted to virtual gambling in Turkey is approximately 2 million. The vast majority of these individuals consist of low-income, indebted, or unemployed people. The betting sector operates like an "economy of hope," especially during periods of economic crisis. But the system is always the winner, not the player.

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL DIMENSION: THE LACK OF SANCTIONS

The state occasionally announces that it has blocked access to betting sites. But is this really a solution? What actually happens is this: When one site is shut down, three new ones open the next day.

In 2024, 233 thousand illegal betting sites were shut down in Turkey. However, the number of such sites increased even further within the same year. Because this system is fed not only by a digital network but also by a financial one. According to the MASAK report, more than 280 thousand bank accounts were used between 2022-2024 to circulate illegal betting money. This money is often converted into crypto assets and transferred out of the system.

Even worse, betting advertisements are openly running on social media platforms and channels like YouTube. Moreover, these advertisements target the most vulnerable audience: The youth and individuals in debt.

So, why does it work so easily? Because banking and financial systems are part of this process. If there were real oversight, could money be deposited into these sites with credit cards? Is it possible to prevent the growth of this sector without financial institutions stopping this flow of money?

Legal regulations are not enough. If we really want to solve this problem:

1) Payment systems must be strictly audited,

2) Banks must block money transfers to these sites,

3) Betting advertisements on social media platforms must be completely banned.

ECONOMIC CRISIS AND THE SEGMENTS PUSHED INTO GAMBLING

Who are the victims of this addiction?

The Youth: 80% of young people in Turkey have encountered virtual gambling platforms. They are bombarded with "Make easy money!" messages on social media.

Employees in debt: Salaries are not enough, credit debts are growing, and they enter betting sites thinking, "Maybe I can save myself with one chance."

Tradespeople: When business goes bad, they fall into the hope of "maybe I can recover with one game."

However, the truth is that gambling has never been a way of salvation. It has always led to even greater losses.

GAMBLING AND SUBSTANCE ADDICTION: TWO DANGERS FEEDING EACH OTHER

Doctors' warnings are now clearer: Gambling addiction is increasing alongside alcohol and substance addiction. It is observed that virtual gambling addiction is more common, especially in individuals who use cocaine and cannabis.

According to data from the Yeşilay Counseling Center (YEDAM), applications for gambling addiction in 2024 surpassed alcohol and substance abuse, accounting for 37% of applications. This clearly reveals that gambling is the fastest-growing area among addictions.

Why?

When gambling, people turn to alcohol or substances to cope with stress when they lose.

Individuals who use drugs are more easily drawn into betting and virtual games due to the urge to make quick money.

In the end, the two addictions become intertwined, making it much harder to turn back.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

This crisis will not solve itself. If we are looking for a way out:

• Awareness campaigns should be launched for young people. Awareness must be created on social media, in schools, and at universities.
• The banking sector must be strictly audited. Money transfers to betting sites must be stopped.
• Addiction treatment centers should be increased. Gambling addiction should be treated as a disease, not a character flaw.

FINAL WORD: SEEING THE COLLAPSE OR IGNORING IT

Virtual gambling addiction is a social disease that is growing silently and deeply. As one doctor said:

"There is going to be a massive social explosion."

Do we prefer to watch this explosion, or take steps to prevent it?

The decision is ours.

News Source: 12punto