Turkey: Fines planned for 3.1 million players involved with illegal gambling

Following illegal betting sweeps carried out across multiple provinces in Turkey, fines are set to be issued to 3.1 million players. Under the Misdemeanours Law, individuals found to have engaged in illegal betting face fines ranging from TL 100,000 to TL 400,000.

Following coordinated operations by prosecutors in all 81 provinces, databases linked to illegal betting websites were also examined.

Furthermore, investigators have accessed around 13.8 million user records linked to a wider investigation involving the Malta-based payment provider Paymix.

Regarding this case, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that its inquiry uncovered an organised criminal network operating both in Turkey and internationally, allegedly providing transaction infrastructure for an estimated $1bn in monthly gambling activity.

Server analysis reportedly identified around 13.8 million player records, including 3.1 million linked to Turkish national identity numbers.

It is also claimed that among the 3 million identified users are not only ordinary citizens but also well-known athletes from football, basketball and volleyball, as well as sports club officials.

Authorities have stated that legal proceedings have begun against all individuals whose identities and phone numbers have been identified, with significant penalties expected soon.

At the same time, another illegal gambling case has emerged in Turkey. Police in Bursa’s Yenişehir district dismantled a criminal organisation accused of targeting farmers through illegal gambling, loan sharking and extortion.

Investigators said the group lured victims into gambling venues disguised as coffee houses, then trapped them with high-interest loans and forced debt repayments through threats, violence and signed promissory notes. Authorities also found that the gang seized victims’ property, including homes and land.

Turkey’s response to illegal gambling is becoming more aggressive, with discussions also taking place around potential prison sentences for players.