In a significant operation, Turkish law enforcement has targeted illegal betting networks across eight provinces, uncovering links to 177 suspects involved in suspicious financial transactions. The Interior Ministry announced on Monday that these accounts had shown activity totaling 17.75 billion lira (approximately $365.8 million).
The operation was a coordinated effort involving the government's cybercrime and anti-smuggling units, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and local prosecutors, resulting in multiple raids across Adıyaman, Konya, Manisa, Muğla, Tekirdağ, Siirt, Muş, and Çorum. Officials allege these suspects operated illegal betting websites and facilitated the movement of gambling proceeds through Türkiye's financial system.
The Interior Ministry has stated that its crackdown on illegal digital gambling is part of a larger strategy to prevent criminal proceeds from entering the economy via banking and payment systems. Türkiye’s Law No. 7258 criminalizes operating gambling activities without a license, often leading to associated money laundering and fraud charges, which increase the legal repercussions for offenders.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative in Türkiye’s ongoing fight against illegal betting that has intensified throughout 2026. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi has referred to illegal betting as a "scourge that corrupts society," calling for stronger enforcement. He noted that the increase in digital payments and cryptocurrencies has made illegal betting a significant avenue for money laundering.
Çiftçi has stated, "Casinos, junkets, cryptocurrencies and underground banking are the most critical parts of the money laundering infrastructure that fuels international organized crime," and projected that the global gambling market would reach $205 billion by 2030. Since 2006, the government has blocked over 548,420 illegal betting and gambling websites, with 84,000 shut down in just 2025.
The deputy minister of interior, Ali Çelik, spoke at a panel on illegal betting and addiction on September 10, suggesting that addressing addiction could significantly reduce illegal betting activities.
He remarked, "If we can eliminate this sector, we will also minimize the funds flowing into the hands of the next criminal organization."
Additionally, Associate Professor Mehmet Dinç, president of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, stressed that simply targeting supply is inadequate in the fight against illegal betting. He emphasized the interconnectedness of supply and demand, stating, "This is an ecosystem: it starts with advertisements and continues through social media, sporting activities, influencers, games, mobile applications, payment systems, loans, bets, losses, debt, and continued betting."
