Turkey Blocks 233K Illegal Gambling Sites in 2024 Crackdown
The Essentials at a Glance
In 2024, Turkey significantly ramped up its efforts to combat illegal gambling activities. A total of 233,000 unlicensed gambling and betting websites were blocked – a sharp increase compared to the 168,030 blocked sites in 2023. These measures targeted operators from 95 countries, with most of the sites originating from the USA, Armenia, and the Netherlands. In addition to website blockades, legal actions were also initiated against numerous operators. Prominent figures and influencers who promoted illegal gambling products also came under scrutiny by the authorities.
Massive Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Websites
The Turkish government blocked a total of 233,000 unlicensed gambling sites in 2024. This number represents a significant increase compared to the previous year. Most of the blocked sites originated from the USA (56%), followed by Armenia (17%) and the Netherlands (6%). These measures were coordinated by the National Lottery Administration (MPI), which also filed 375,367 criminal complaints against illegal sites and 6,731 specific domain names.
Additionally, 286 cases of unauthorized lotteries and raffles were referred to the prosecutor’s office. These actions are part of a comprehensive government plan to curb illegal gambling activities and protect public order.
Strict Measures Against Illegal Gambling Networks
Turkish authorities have expanded their operations against illegal gambling networks. The Cyber Crimes Combat Department and the Gendarmerie General Command carried out targeted raids, which began in December 2024. These operations not only led to the arrest of operators of illegal gambling establishments but also focused on prominent figures and influencers who promoted such activities.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the importance of these measures: “Combating illegal gambling is crucial to protecting our citizens and maintaining public order.” This statement underscores the government’s determination to crack down on unlicensed gambling activities.
Political Support and Clear Messages
Turkey’s Minister of Finance and Treasury Mehmet Simsek highlighted the importance of these measures. He stated: “We are determined to prevent unregistered economic activities and financial crimes that lead to tax losses and harm our citizens. We will continue to take all necessary steps to eliminate illegal betting, virtual gambling, and unauthorized raffles.”
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These statements demonstrate that the Turkish government is addressing the issue comprehensively, employing not only technological measures but also legal and communication strategies.
Our Assessment
Turkey is taking a strong stance against illegal gambling with its measures. The high number of blocked websites and legal actions against operators and prominent figures illustrate how seriously the government is tackling this issue. For players, this means that access to unregulated gambling sites in Turkey is becoming increasingly difficult. At the same time, the initiative highlights the importance of choosing licensed and reputable providers to avoid legal and financial risks.
The developments in Turkey could inspire other countries to take tougher action against illegal gambling activities. Players should always be aware that unlicensed offerings not only carry legal consequences but also often pose increased risks of fraud and data breaches.
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