Turkey’s campaign against illegal betting is escalating, with senior government officials describing the activity as a growing threat to public order, financial security and social well-being.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said illegal betting and online gambling have evolved into a nationwide criminal problem, arguing that they damage families, fuel organized crime and undermine social values. He stressed that the government will continue to target operators, financial networks and individuals facilitating illicit gambling as part of a coordinated national enforcement strategy.
According to the minister, authorities are determined to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting illegal betting platforms, including payment channels, digital networks and money-laundering operations. Prosecutors across all 81 provinces have previously been instructed to strengthen cooperation with police and gendarmerie units, improve evidence gathering and accelerate investigations into betting-related crimes.
The latest comments come as Turkish authorities continue to expand cybercrime operations. Interior Ministry data shows that more than 47,000 illegal betting websites have been blocked so far this year, while law enforcement agencies have carried out 680 operations targeting illegal online betting networks. Investigators are also tracing bank accounts, electronic money accounts and cryptocurrency wallets believed to be linked to illegal gambling activities.
Ahead of the recent FIFA World Cup final, prosecutors identified 6,314 bank accounts allegedly used by illegal betting operators. Banks were instructed to freeze the accounts simultaneously as the match began, aiming to disrupt betting-related transactions in real time. Authorities also uncovered 19 suspected underground financial hubs connected to illegal betting websites and launched legal proceedings against 23 suspects.
Officials say the government’s strategy extends beyond website blocking by targeting the financial ecosystem that enables illegal operators to function. Cybercrime teams continue round-the-clock monitoring of online platforms, social media channels and payment systems used to advertise or process illicit betting activity.
The tougher enforcement also coincides with broader investigations into illegal betting and match-fixing within Turkish football. Recent operations have led to the detention of club officials and other football figures as prosecutors widen efforts to protect the integrity of the country’s sports sector.