Problem gambling among working youth in Southeast Türkiye: predictors and psychological consequences

In low-socioeconomic contexts like South-eastern Türkiye, where child labor rates exceed national averages due to economic pressures, working youth face amplified risks of gambling as a maladaptive coping mechanism. The present study was conducted to identify gambling addiction, predictors and psychological consequences among working youth in the South-eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. This cross-sectional and descriptive study, which was planned in accordance with STROBE guidelines, was conducted between 01.04.2024 and 31.12.2024 with youth working on the streets of Şanlıurfa and Diyarbakır for more than two years. Ethical approval was obtained from the university and institutional permission was obtained from the governor's office in the province where the study was conducted. After explaining the study to each adolescent and parent, informed consent was obtained from all adolescents and parents. The study was conducted with 671 working youth who met the specified inclusion criteria. Regression analysis and mediation models were used in the analyses. It was found that 18% (122) of the adolescents working on the street played rummikub, 25% (171) played billiards or bowling for money once a week, 32% (217) played iddaa (official football betting game), 17% (112) betted on horse racing, 11% (72) bought numerical lotto tickets, 33% (223) played scratch card games and 23% (152) played online games every week in the last 12 months. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score had a negative statistical effect on multidimensional perceived social support scale (β1 = -0.973), and a positive statistical effect on depressive symptoms (β1 = 0.690) and anxiety symptoms (β1 = 0.726). The change of 60.2% of the scores in the gambling screening test was explained by depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and multidimensional perceived social support scores (R2 = 0.602). More than half of the gambling screening test was explained by these three variables. Current evidence indicates that culturally sensitive, enhanced social support could alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with gambling behaviour. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to establish causality and the clinical efficacy of this relationship definitively. Therefore, future policy frameworks must balance methodological rigour and robust evidence generation with advocacy for the potential role of such interventions.