{"id":443729,"date":"2026-01-28T21:11:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/443729\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T21:11:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:11:20","slug":"online-gambling-puts-children-at-risk-of-addiction-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/443729\/","title":{"rendered":"Online gambling puts children at risk of addiction: Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"

Digitalization has made gambling <\/a>more accessible than ever, fueling a surge in addiction, according to Ali Erdo\u011fan, head of the department of Mental Health and Diseases at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, virtual gambling can be played through smartphones and computers at our fingertips. This has caused addiction to spread rapidly,\u201d Erdo\u011fan told Anadolu Agency (AA).<\/p>\n

Erdo\u011fan noted that gambling has existed throughout human history, but its form has changed with digital technology. He emphasized that addiction is a biological process directly linked to the brain\u2019s reward system.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, recent digitalization has made access to gambling extremely easy. This has created a situation where we are facing a pandemic that requires serious precautions,\u201d Erdo\u011fan said.<\/p>\n

He explained that gambling activates certain brain centers, triggering the release of dopamine, which contributes to the development of addiction. He added that gambling often starts as experimentation or \u201cplaying for fun,\u201d which is why avoiding virtual games entirely is critical to preventing addiction.<\/p>\n

Difficult to control<\/p>\n

Erdo\u011fan highlighted accessibility and normalization as the main differences between virtual and traditional gambling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe difference with virtual gambling is that we can play a game as easily as texting a friend. These games have normalized the behavior. They can be played anywhere \u2013 at work, school, or home \u2013 using credit cards and various payment methods,\u201d Erdo\u011fan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has led to gambling becoming normalized in society. Unfortunately, virtual gambling addiction has been reported in children as young as 12 or 13. Control can be difficult in the digital world. Families need to monitor their children carefully and take preventive measures without causing undue stress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Signs of addiction include uncontrolled spending, anger, social withdrawal and depression. Erdo\u011fan also warned about the \u201cchasing losses\u201d trap, where individuals repeatedly gamble in an attempt to recover lost money.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thought \u2018I\u2019ll win back what I lost\u2019 is the central issue that traps a person in gambling,\u201d Erdo\u011fan said.<\/p>\n

High success rate in treatment<\/p>\n

Emphasizing the importance of medical support in fighting addiction, Erdo\u011fan said Akdeniz University\u2019s Behavioral Addictions Clinic offers comprehensive treatments for gambling, internet and shopping addictions.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatients can make appointments online and visit the clinic,\u201d Erdo\u011fan said. \u201cFirst, we evaluate the situation, then combine medication and psychotherapy to help individuals break free from gambling. Our treatment success rate for gambling addiction is very high, so people should not hesitate to seek help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\/<\/p>\n

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