Turkey Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

President Erdoğan has authorized a major national crackdown on illegal gambling, instructing all relevant government agencies to deliver results by 2026. Published in the Resmi Gazete on November 1, the directive covers unlicensed sports betting, games of chance and virtual gambling platforms, with agencies required to report directly to the president.

Authorities warn that illegal gambling threatens public order, social stability, youth safety and the economy. Unlicensed betting is linked to money laundering and the shadow economy and Erdoğan frames the measures as protecting families, curbing crime and securing state revenues.

Concerns over youth gambling addiction have escalated. Yeşilay reports that 28% of addiction consultations now involve gambling. Public scrutiny intensified after the Papara case, in which an Istanbul fintech allegedly processed ₺12.9 billion (€340 million) through illegal gambling networks. Officials are investigating domestic and offshore operators, including crypto-based platforms targeting Turkish players.

Multi-Agency and International Coordination

MASAK leads the enforcement effort alongside the Interior Ministry, BTK, Treasury and Finance and Justice Ministry. Measures include monitoring illicit financial flows, shutting down illegal platforms, prosecuting offenders and regulating gambling-related advertisements and influencer promotions.

Technology companies and media outlets face fines, license revocations, or access restrictions for non-compliance. Turkey is also engaging internationally with countries such as Malta, Cyprus, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Georgia, which are suspected of facilitating unlicensed operations.

Opposition politicians, including CHP’s Muharrem İnce, criticize the timing as politically motivated, arguing the government could have acted earlier and warning that political connections may complicate enforcement.

State-run operators remain the only legal providers, including Spor Toto for sports betting and Milli Piyango for lotteries. The crackdown also positions Erdoğan to demonstrate decisive governance amid economic pressures and public unrest ahead of the 2027 elections.