Turkish Authorities Seize 17.75 Billion Lira from Illegal Betting Networks in Eight Provinces

Turkish law enforcement agencies have launched a sweeping operation targeting illegal betting networks across eight provinces. It follows investigations that uncovered financial transactions linked to 177 suspects.

According to reporting by iGaming Business, accounts connected with the suspects had exhibited suspicious financial activity amounting to 17.75 billion lira ($365.8 million). Coordinated efforts between the government’s cybercrime and anti-smuggling units, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and local prosecutors led to raids in Adıyaman, Konya, Manisa, Muğla, Tekirdağ, Siirt, Muş and Çorum.

Officials alleged that the individuals involved had been operating illegal betting websites and had facilitated the movement of proceeds from gambling through Türkiye’s financial system. The Interior Ministry insisted that the crackdown on digital illegal gambling would persist as part of a broader strategy to prevent criminal proceeds being fed into the economy via banking and payment infrastructures.

Türkiye’s Law No. 7258 criminalises the operation of gambling activities without a licence. Offences are often combined with money laundering and fraud charges, amplifying legal consequences for offenders.

‘A Scourge That Corrupts Society’

This latest operation forms part of an ongoing surge in Türkiye’s efforts to curb illegal betting throughout 2026. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi called illegal betting a “scourge that corrupts society” and emphasised a move towards tougher enforcement.

Çiftçi said: “Casinos, junkets, cryptocurrencies and underground banking are the most critical parts of the money laundering infrastructure that fuels international organised crime. The global gambling market will reach $205 billion in 2030.” The government blocked 548,420 illegal betting and gambling websites between 2006 and 2025, including 84,000 in 2025 alone.

Ecosystem of Supply and Demand

These comments echo a similar sentiment at the country’s Directorate of Communications panel event on illegal betting and addiction on 10 September. Deputy Minister of Interior Ali Çelik said: “If we can eliminate this sector, we will also minimise the funds flowing into the hands of the next criminal organisation.”

The president of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, Associate Professor Mehmet Dinç, said: “In the fight against gambling, combating supply alone is not enough. Combating demand alone is not enough; merely shutting down websites is not enough. 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.”

Reporting: iGaming Business (iGB)

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