A major Turkish study has linked the growth of gambling-related harm to constant digital access, fast payment systems and platform features designed to keep users engaged, prompting calls for stronger financial monitoring, advertising rules and consumer-protection measures.
The research, produced by Enstitü Sosyal with data from the Yeşilay Counselling Centre (YEDAM), examined gambling behaviour through large-scale clinical and social-service records alongside interviews and policy consultations. The study analysed 14,458 initial assessment forms and 3,767 social-service records, while researchers also conducted in-depth interviews with people affected by gambling and consulted specialists in psychology, law, sociology, public administration and artificial intelligence.
Researchers concluded that digital gambling in Turkey can no longer be treated solely as a matter of individual behaviour. Smartphone accessibility, simplified payment methods and algorithmic targeting were identified as factors that can reinforce repeated gambling and turn it into a wider public-health, social and financial-integrity problem.
Debt and digital payments emerge as central risks
The average age of people seeking treatment through YEDAM was 34.7, with cases extending across different income and employment groups rather than being concentrated solely among people on low incomes. Men accounted for roughly 97% of treatment cases, although researchers cautioned that women may be under-represented in treatment data.
Financial harm was particularly widespread. More than 84% of participants with relevant social-service records reported gambling-related debt, while 49.8% said they owed more than TRY100,000. Family members were the largest source of borrowing, followed by banks. More than three-quarters also reported using money originally intended for other purposes, potentially diverting funds from essentials such as housing, education or healthcare.
The report identified digital wallets, integrated payment systems, instant financing and rapid money transfers as important accelerators of gambling behaviour. Researchers said digital transactions can weaken the psychological connection between spending and physical money, while cryptocurrency, gamified interfaces and instant credit can further reduce users’ perception of financial risk.
Platform design was another concern. Targeted promotions, bonus and loyalty programmes, rapid-play mechanics and algorithmic recommendations can extend gambling sessions and make losses less immediately noticeable. The report argues that consumer protection should therefore address product design as well as conventional advertising compliance.
Researchers seek stronger financial and advertising safeguards
Among the proposed measures is AI-supported monitoring of payment networks to identify unusual or high-risk transactions. The study also calls for stronger coordination between the Financial Crimes Investigation Board, known as MASAK, financial regulators and law-enforcement bodies.
Other recommendations include stronger deposit controls, wider use of self-exclusion mechanisms and early-warning systems capable of identifying potentially harmful gambling patterns. Researchers also want Turkey’s digital advertising rules updated to address indirect gambling promotion and marketing appearing on platforms heavily used by younger audiences.
Treatment provision is another area highlighted for expansion. The study found that stigma and fear of disclosure can discourage people from seeking help, while gambling can damage family relationships, workplace performance and social connections. It recommends broader access to confidential digital counselling, family-focused support and rehabilitation services.
Illegal betting networks keep payments in regulatory focus
The recommendations come as Turkish authorities continue targeting payment channels associated with illegal betting. In July, an Ankara-led investigation found TRY231.3 million in movements across bank, cryptocurrency and electronic-money accounts linked to suspects accused of facilitating payments to an illegal betting website.
Enforcement has continued into the autumn. Turkey’s Interior Ministry said operations announced on 24 September uncovered TRY2.155 billion in account activity involving 24 suspects accused of operating illegal betting websites and helping transfer gambling proceeds. A separate nationwide cybercrime operation announced on 28 September included suspects accused of running illegal gambling operations, advertising them and facilitating payments.
The study argues that enforcement against illegal operators must therefore be accompanied by measures addressing the technology, payment infrastructure and platform mechanics that can intensify gambling harm. Its proposed framework combines financial surveillance, digital consumer protection, treatment access and coordinated oversight rather than relying on a single regulatory measure.