Turkey launches crackdown on illegal gambling operators

The

turkeyflag
Turkish government have today announced the start of a two-year national legislation-led offensive against illegal gambling operators in the country.

A range of new measures are being considered including: amendment of current legislation, internet monitoring, curbing gambling payment services (including cyber currencies), banning gambling advertisements, increasing the awareness of problem gambling and punitive fines levied on illegal online operators.

Under a three-pronged attack led by the Turkish Interior and Justice ministries in coordination with the Treasury and police departments, national regulators will investigate gaming platforms and venues to determine if they are operating illegally, with hefty jail terms being given to those deemed to be breaking the law.

According to reports in the pro-government Daily Sabah newspaper, members of the Financial Crimes Investigation Council (MASAK), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), Revenues Department and Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) will also participate in the crackdown.

The multi-agency team will be headed by a “special prosecutor” whose identity has yet to be confirmed.

In addition, individuals who access illegal gambling websites through their smartphone will be contacted via SMS by the country’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which it is hoped will prevent them from doing so again in the future.

Gamblers in Turkey are currently only able to gamble legally via the Milli Piyango lottery and the state-run SporToto sports betting service, with many individuals choosing to cross the border into neighbouring Georgia to gamble in casinos operating there.

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Chicken Ranch Casino
The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA)
Catena Media
Gambling Commission
Follow Us
The most prestigious Awards in the industry are heading to the Philippines! The Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific will recognise and reward (as the name suggests) the strongest performers from the Asia-Pacific gaming industry across the previous 12 months.
This year's winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Day 2 of SiGMA Asia, 4th June, in Manila.
The eleventh annual Global Gaming Awards Americas will recognize and reward the gaming industry's strongest performers across the previous 12 months. These are the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry and have gained respect amongst industry heavyweights, due to the strict rules and procedures put in place.

Facing Facts: Operator Q3s from across the globe

Gambling Insider compares Q3 2023 results from major gamblin...

Taking Stock: Operators and suppliers across the world

Sticking with our theme of gambling across the globe, Gambli...

CEO Special: Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano - down to earth

Jade Entertainment and Gaming CEO Joe Pisano speaks to Gambl...

CEO Special: Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker - saying it as it is

Betfred CEO Joanne Whittaker joins Gambling Insider Editor T...