Turkey Blocks 233,000 Illegal Gambling Sites in 2024

Turkey has taken a bold step in its fight against illegal gambling, shutting down 233,000 websites in 2024.

This unprecedented effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, represents a 38% increase from 2023.

Beyond website closures, the crackdown targets unlicensed lotteries and financial crimes linked to illegal gambling.

Explore how Turkey’s comprehensive measures are reshaping the global fight against illegal betting operations.

Turkey Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling: 233,000 Websites Shut Down in 2024

3 Key Points:

1. Record Shutdowns: Turkey blocked 233,000 illegal gambling websites in 2024, a 38% rise compared to the previous year.
2. Global Origins: 56% of the blocked sites originated from the US, followed by Armenia (17%) and the Netherlands (6%).
3. Broad Enforcement: Turkey tackled unauthorised lotteries, filing criminal complaints and imposing strict penalties for offenders.

Turkey’s Aggressive Stance on Illegal Gambling

In 2024, Turkey escalated its campaign against illegal gambling by shutting down 233,000 websites, a 38% increase over 2023’s figures. The effort, led by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, reflects the country’s determination to curb financial crimes and unregistered economic activities.

Analysis by Turkey’s National Lottery Administration (NPI) revealed the global scope of these operations. Among the blocked websites, 56% were based in the United States, with notable contributions from Armenia (17%) and the Netherlands (6%).

In addition to shutting down websites, authorities filed criminal complaints for 375,367 websites and 6,731 domain names with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The crackdown also extended to unauthorised lotteries and virtual draws, resulting in 286 cases being reported to prosecutors in 2024.

Stricter Penalties and Comprehensive Enforcement

Turkey has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal gambling. Perpetrators of unauthorised lottery operations now face prison sentences of 3–6 years, ensuring a strong deterrent. Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating illegal betting activities and reducing tax losses.

“We are determined to prevent unregistered economic activities and financial crimes that cause tax loss and victimisation of our citizens,” Şimşek stated. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat illegal betting, virtual gambling, and unauthorised draws.

Regional Implications and Global Trends

Turkey’s actions align with broader regional trends. Neighboring countries like Bulgaria have implemented similar enforcement measures, closing hundreds of unlicensed gambling websites in 2024. This wave of crackdowns demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling illegal online gambling at an international level.

Moreover, the crackdown on unregulated sweepstakes and raffles serves as a warning to operators seeking to exploit legal loopholes. Turkey’s approach could inspire other nations to adopt stricter regulations and penalties.

Setting a Global Standard

Turkey’s shutdown of 233,000 illegal gambling websites in 2024 underscores its leadership in combating unlicensed betting. By targeting websites, unauthorised lotteries, and financial crimes, Turkey is setting a new standard for global enforcement.

With harsh penalties and proactive measures, the country ensures a safer gambling environment while safeguarding its economy. This initiative serves as a blueprint for other nations in the fight against illegal gambling and unregistered financial activities. As Turkey continues to strengthen its policies, it is paving the way for a more regulated and transparent gaming industry worldwide.