No systemic data on digital gaming addiction in Northern Cyprus

In Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, a gap has been identified in approaches to gaming and digital addiction: in Cyprus, scientific research and legal frameworks are beginning to address the issue, whereas in Northern Cyprus there is no regular data collection or institutional treatment system.

According to media reports, the proportion of students with gambling problems in Cyprus is above the European average: 6% compared to 5% in Europe. Over the past 12 months, the proportion of those who placed bets reached 23%. Increased activity on online platforms has led to a threefold increase in admissions to addiction treatment centers. Authorities in Cyprus intend to include gambling- and electronic game-related disorders under the Cyprus Institute of Addiction Treatment and classify them as non-substance addictions.

In Northern Cyprus, psychiatrist Mehmet Çakıcı estimates the number of people with gambling addiction at 20–25 thousand. Studies from 2007–2018 showed an increase in pathological gambling from 2.2% to 4.6%. This exceeds the average rates in Europe (around 1%) and in the USA and New Zealand (approximately 1.5%). Çakıcı links the increase to a lack of prevention and education, unclear restrictions, free casino policies, insufficient control, and the absence of a state treatment facility.

Associate Professor Anıl Görkem notes that treatment is limited to the capital and mainly accessible to economically well-off individuals. Northern Cyprus lacks a national addiction strategy and a public mechanism for regular data collection. Experts point to high risk among youth due to the spread of online betting in high schools and universities.

Digital gaming addiction is understood as uncontrolled attention to online games and betting, which can lead to material, social, and psychological problems. For treatment, sources recommend consulting specialists (psychologists, therapists), participating in support groups, and making lifestyle changes.