Legal cases related to illegal betting have increased in the last two years. According to a study by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), it was found that more than 280 thousand bank accounts were used for illegal betting transactions between 2022 and 2024. The Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), Prof. Dr. Erdal Özer, pointed out in the International Classification of Diseases Handbook published by the World Health Organization that gambling disorder is included among behavioral addictions. Erdal Özer stated that gambling addiction was first introduced into psychiatric classification with the diagnosis of Pathological Gambling (PG) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-3) published in 1980. Drawing attention to the dangers of illegal betting and gambling, Özer stated, “The illegal betting environment is an unregistered area where there is no age limit, all kinds of payment methods including credit cards are used, any kind of illegitimate money transfers can be made, there is no taxation. Illegal betting and gambling on sports competitions, especially football, are becoming more widespread every day.” Özer indicated that online gambling is done with bank payments, and made the following assessment: “Unfortunately, gambling in this form is met with less opposition in society. However, the real victimization occurs in these fields. While previously one had to change countries in order to gamble, nowadays it can be done much more easily and comfortably through illegal betting sites via phone. The ease of access and playing encourages people to gamble more frequently, leading individuals of all ages from all walks of life in society to gamble easily.” “WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE ADDICTS AT THE AGE OF 9 IN THE WORLD, 13-14 IN TURKEY” Prof. Dr. Özer emphasized that the age of addiction has decreased significantly, continuing as follows: “When we look at pathological gambling, we know that there are addicts at the age of 9 in the world, and considering the literature in Turkey, we know that there are addicts at the age of 13-14. These used to be unthinkable things. In countries like ours where gambling is prohibited, it was not possible for 13-14-year-olds or 9-year-olds to access gambling, but with the introduction of online gambling especially in recent times, the age of addiction has decreased significantly.” Özer stated that this situation has now become a public health issue, saying, “As we consider this to be a public health issue that leads families to financial ruin, drives people to suicide, depression, and causes an increase in crimes such as theft and murder, we need to draw attention to it. I believe that the state should take some sanctions and measures in this regard.” CASE NUMBERS INCREASED 20 TIMES IN 4 YEARS Özer shared the following information regarding the 2023 Audit Report of the Sports Toto Organization: “When the course of the cases intervened by the Sports Toto Organization over the years regarding illegal betting is examined, it is seen that the number of cases opened has increased especially in the last two years. In this regard, while 119 cases were opened in 2019, 91 in 2020, 91 in 2021, it was determined that 954 cases were opened in 2022, and this number increased to 1937 in 2023, with the number of pending cases totaling 3,732. So, we see that there has been a 20-fold increase in a short span of four years.” Stressing the increase in legal cases related to illegal betting in recent years, Özer said, “According to a study by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), it was found that more than 280 thousand bank accounts were used in illegal betting transactions between 2022 and 2024.” “THE HARMS OF GAMBLING CAN BE EXPLAINED THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TARGETING YOUNGSTERS IN SCHOOLS” Özer emphasized the need for awareness campaigns throughout society to educate individuals about the harms of gambling, saying, “The harms of gambling can be explained through educational programs targeting youngsters in schools.” Özer mentioned that verses regarding gambling are included in the Quran, saying, “In this regard, warnings can be given frequently by religious officials in mosques, during prayers, conversations, and similar situations. In addition, societal information can be provided through the Directorate of Religious Affairs and faculties of theology.” Özer added that making professional help, therapy, and rehabilitation programs accessible for individuals suffering from gambling addiction is also important.