The Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), is set to begin a new phase in its crackdown on illegal gambling operators, with enforcement measures to extend beyond national borders and across digital platforms. This was announced by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz in a statement addressed to heads of state institutions. He emphasized that “the AKP is determined to continue its fight in a sustained manner with the aim of dismantling criminal networks linked to illegal gambling.”

As of October 2025, all Turkish state institutions are required to act in accordance with the AKP “Action Plan” to eliminate the illegal gambling sector — an initiative previously outlined by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the most recent general elections.

A recent coordinated anti-gambling operation led by Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç resulted in the detention of 233 suspects in Antalya and Mersin. They are suspected of involvement in criminal networks through which, according to investigators, approximately 18 billion Turkish lira (around $394 million) in illegal gambling-related transactions were processed.

The fight against the shadow economy has also led to financial sector reforms under direct instructions from President Erdoğan, who in February appointed the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) as the main authority overseeing financial transactions.

With expanded powers, MASAK is now responsible for combating “money mules” in electronic payment systems, proxy accounts, and shell companies that have infiltrated Turkey’s financial system and are used by illegal gambling operators.

Despite strengthened enforcement tools, Yılmaz noted that the problem remains far from being resolved. According to AKP estimates, the size of Turkey’s illegal gambling market could range between $20 billion and $60 billion.

He also stated: “In line with the directives of our President, we have developed a comprehensive and multi-layered action plan,” emphasizing that the fight against illegal gambling must proceed along three main pillars — stronger law enforcement, financial oversight, and public awareness of the illegality of such activities.

The next phase of the AKP strategy will focus on advancing digital monitoring capabilities and strengthening international cooperation against those knowingly supporting illegal gambling operations.

Yılmaz stressed that illegal gambling represents not only an “economic threat” but also a broader security and public order issue, linking such networks to risks including money laundering, organized crime financing, and uncontrolled exposure of vulnerable users.

Special attention in the plan is being given to online platforms and social media. Turkish authorities increasingly argue that companies such as Google, Facebook, and other technology players should be subject to stricter oversight to prevent Turkish users from being targeted by illegal operators.

According to Yılmaz, these platforms currently lack sufficient supervisory and regulatory mechanisms, including age restrictions, income controls, and adequate protective tools, allowing users in Turkey to freely encounter illegal gambling content and advertising.

He also highlighted the need for tighter control over affiliate marketing schemes, influencer promotions, illegal advertising, and user acquisition mechanisms via social networks. These tools, he said, have become key channels for offshore gambling networks targeting the domestic market.

The government is also prioritizing cross-border enforcement, noting that a significant portion of illegal gambling activity is conducted through foreign-linked structures operating outside national jurisdiction.
 

Most challenging phase ahead

The “Action Plan” is expected to enter its most stringent phase with the introduction of cross-border measures targeting foreign gambling networks serving Turkish users.

President Erdoğan has previously referred to several jurisdictions, including Georgia, Armenia, Northern Cyprus, and North Macedonia, as operational hubs used by illegal betting structures specifically targeting the Turkish market.

Yılmaz emphasized that illegal gambling is no longer solely a domestic regulatory issue but has evolved into a broader security threat. He warned that such networks may be linked to serious risks, including money laundering, terrorism financing, and organized crime.

The plan marks a shift away from standard regulatory tools such as IP blocking and access restrictions, with Turkish authorities increasingly adopting a tougher stance focused on criminal prosecution of all participants involved in building and maintaining illegal gambling infrastructure, regardless of borders or organizational form.

As a result, enforcement will extend to payment systems, digital distribution channels, affiliate networks, and foreign entities used to serve Turkish users.

Yılmaz noted that the problem has taken on a clearly international dimension, stating that “most illegal betting activity takes place online and through foreign-linked structures,” adding that “certain countries and regions may serve as hubs for such operations.”

In this context, he stressed that “international cooperation is a key element of the action plan,” with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Hakan Fidan tasked with intensifying engagement with foreign jurisdictions to strengthen enforcement.

Turkish authorities also emphasize the need for a flexible approach. Yılmaz noted: “After one platform is blocked, new structures can emerge.”

By elevating the crackdown to an international level, tensions could extend beyond gambling regulation if Turkey concludes that certain jurisdictions are unwilling to cooperate in addressing illegal gambling targeting Turkish consumers.

Against the backdrop of expanding cross-border measures, the AKP and the Turkish state appear prepared to take increasingly strict steps to fulfill President Erdoğan’s pledge to dismantle the illegal gambling sector.

 

 

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