Turkey has intensified efforts to combat illegal betting and gambling, with a high-level coordination meeting led by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The session was chaired by Chief Public Prosecutor Ali Yeldan and attended by multiple agencies and officials.
Held under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice, the meeting focused on crime-fighting strategies and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle illegal gambling networks.
Izmir Chief Prosecutor Yeldan emphasised the need for robust digital oversight and technological enforcement, stating that investigations into illegal gambling must be accelerated and structured to meet banking-level standards.
He also highlighted the importance of strict monitoring of electronic payment providers and cryptocurrency systems to prevent offenders from maintaining anonymity.
Yeldan stated: "While increasing our technical capacity in combating cybercrime, full coordination with all institutions is necessary against online promotional activities. Especially to protect our youth, comprehensive awareness campaigns should be carried out in cooperation with public institutions and non-governmental organisations."
At the end of last year, Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç outlined measures targeting illegal betting and online gambling, following the November “Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance and Gambling in Digital Environments.”
The 11th Judiciary Package introduced new powers, including the suspension of suspicious bank accounts for up to 48 hours, the immediate seizure of illicit gains and the direct restitution of funds to victims.
Banks are required to provide requested documents within ten days. Electronic payment accounts require biometric verification and mobile subscriptions need an electronic ID.
Minister Tunç also announced incoming revisions to the Turkish Penal Code and the Law on Misdemeanours, increasing penalties for illegal gambling offences and those targeting minors.
Late last year, Turkish officials proposed measures to block illegal gambling sites aimed at children, restrict reward-based gaming apps and ban social media use for children under 15
