Türkiye cracking down on illegal betting via law enforcement operations
The ones caught in the implementation carried out across Türkiye against the crimes of “gambling, bingo, gaming machines and illegal betting.” (AA Photo)
Turkish authorities have intensified their efforts to combat illegal betting, closing over 3,000 virtual POS systems and more than 1 million payment accounts used for unlawful betting transactions, according to the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
Major crackdown on illegal betting operations
The ministry’s crackdown comes as part of a broader campaign aimed at preventing illegal betting and online gambling operations. During the Sibergoz-46 operation conducted this year, authorities identified approximately ₺7 billion lira ($204 million) in illicit earnings.
The operation, considered one of Türkiye’s largest cyber operations, targeted illegal betting sites that operate under various names such as “Acarbet,” “Atlasbet,” and “Nakitbahis.” Over 1 million payment and e-money accounts linked to these sites were shut down.
Financial penalties and further investigations
The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reported that over 280,000 bank accounts were used for illegal betting transactions between 2022 and 2024. MASAK has taken steps to prevent these accounts from being used further and has referred information on the account holders to judicial authorities.
In addition to virtual POS closures, one company acting as a proxy for cryptocurrency services used to launder illegal betting funds was also shut down, with information passed on to prosecutors.
Increased surveillance and regulatory measures
Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Simsek emphasized that regulatory and surveillance measures would be strengthened in collaboration with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), the Central Bank of Türkiye (CBRT), and the Capital Markets Board (SPK). Penalties for institutions failing to prevent these illegal transactions are expected to increase.
Minister Simsek also warned citizens about the risks of unwittingly participating in illegal betting, noting that individuals who share their financial information with these sites risk both economic loss and legal consequences.
“Our citizens should not become partners in crime by sharing their personal and financial information with betting sites, and financial institutions should not take risks by acting as intermediaries. Our fight against illegal betting and money laundering will continue unabated,” Simsek said on his social media post.
National lottery and site shutdowns
The National Lottery Administration (MPI) has also been involved in monitoring and reporting illegal betting and gambling sites. In the first nine months of this year, nearly 183,000 illegal betting sites were reported to Türkiye’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) for access restrictions.
Many of these sites originate from the U.S., Armenia, and the Netherlands.
