Gambling Addiction on the Rise in Northern Cyprus

Gambling addiction in Northern Cyprus is significantly higher than the global average. Experts estimate that approximately 9% of the population in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) suffers from this condition.

In an interview with Kibris Postasi, Dr. Mehmet Çakıcı, the director of Pink Mansion Psychiatric Hospital, explained that the rate of pathological gambling addiction in Northern Cyprus is 4.6%, while the rate of problematic gambling addiction stands at 9%. He pointed out that this statistic places Northern Cyprus among the regions most affected by gambling addiction worldwide.

“Gambling addiction is just as serious as depression and schizophrenia. However, it is not recognized as a disease by society,” Çakıcı emphasized.

The article also noted that gambling addiction is influenced not only by psychological factors but also by biological and genetic ones. A significant contributor to the rise in addiction is the lack of enforcement of gambling restrictions.

Previously, there were reports of an increase in gambling addiction among children under 18 in the Republic of Cyprus.