Illegal betting reaches schools: The code word among students revealed: 'Popping candy'
Illegal betting and gambling have entered schools. Experts emphasize that it is as dangerous as substance addiction, while teachers note that it has recently become "popular" among students.
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Gambling games on illegal betting sites, which have become widespread recently, have reached high schools.
These so-called "games," which expose young people to the danger of addiction, also use baiting tactics and bonus methods.
According to the report in Hürriyet, school administrators and teachers in Istanbul shared their observations regarding whether illegal betting is taking place among children, stating, "Yes, it has become quite popular."
THE CODE WORD IS 'POPPING CANDY'
One school administrator stated that the code word among students for playing slot games—which are played with lever-operated machines in real casinos—is 'popping candy', while other administrators and teachers said they have begun to hear this term more frequently in recent days.
One teacher explained that they discovered a student who was frequently late for class was not attending school regularly and was drifting away from their studies because they were playing 'virtual betting'. The discovery of cards used to deposit money into these sites in the wallets of some students during routine school searches is also among the details that increase suspicions of virtual betting.
"DEALERSHIPS FOR ADULTS WHO CAN COMMUNICATE WITH HIGH SCHOOLERS"
Stating that this situation should never be underestimated by families and teachers, Expert Developmental Psychologist Irmak Kerimoğlu said:
"We must view betting on illegal sites as a serious addiction, just like substance addiction. As with other bad habits, malicious individuals who profit from this business use a 'baiting' method here as well. They give children 'bonus' money so they can start playing. It is known that 'dealerships' are given to certain high schoolers in leadership positions or to adults who can communicate with them. We are talking about a system of being a distributor, getting many people hooked on gambling by giving them bonus money, and receiving a commission from this. For example, if a child is neglecting activities they normally enjoy, not going out with friends as much as they used to, or not getting up from the computer, this can be a warning sign for the family. These children need to receive serious addiction treatment under the supervision of a mental health professional."