Professionals’ experiences as a guide to combating online gambling

This study aims to develop interdisciplinary strategies to combat the phenomenon of online gambling, which has become widespread following digitalization. Utilizing a qualitative research method, interviews were conducted with 15 participants experienced in the field of gambling addiction. The findings reveal that controlling online gambling behavior has become increasingly difficult post-digitalization due to factors such as accessibility, anonymity, invisibility, continuous exposure to stimuli, and the virtualization of money. Regarding the intervention process, the need for a multidisciplinary approach that simultaneously considers various social dynamics, moving beyond individual interventions, was emphasized. In this context, various recommendations are detailed: expanding prevention and awareness-based education, strengthening treatment and rehabilitation services specific to gambling addiction, developing family and social support mechanisms, enacting legal and technological regulations, and increasing professional capacity. Consequently, this research presents an interdisciplinary roadmap for combating online gambling, offering a comprehensive perspective for practitioners and policymakers.