Turkey Blocks 233K Illegal Gaming Sites in 2024, Efforts Continue

Turkey continues to crack down on illegal gambling in the wake of a busy 2024. The country, which banned hundreds of thousands of illegal and offshore websites, is considering upping the ante in 2025.

The War on Illegal Gambling Goes on

According to official data, Turkey identified and banned over 233,000 illegal gambling sites in 2024 alone. Detected by the general directorate of the national lottery administration (Millî Piyango İdaresi/MPI), the sites were not only blocked but also referred to the chief public prosecutor’s office in Ankara and the national cybercrime department.

The MPI understood that the majority (56%) of illegal sites targeting Turkey were located in the United States. Authorities added that an additional 17% were based in Armenia, and 6% in the Netherlands.

Anadolu Ajansı, a state-run agency, reported that the aforementioned figures represent an increase in banned websites. For context, Turkey banned another 168,000 illegal brands in 2023.

For context, Turkey has a strict stance on gambling and employs a monopoly model, under which only IDDAA, a state-owned company, can offer online games of chance legally.

In the meantime, illegal lotteries remain prevalent in Turkey, adding to the trouble authorities are facing. The National Lottery Administration (NLA) recorded a staggering 286 unauthorized lottery draws in 2024, showing that the battle against illegal gaming spans several fronts.

Even if organizers of illegal lottery games face a huge fine, as well as up to six years in prison, many have continued to violate the rules and host lucrative unlicensed games.

Illegal Gaming Hurts Both the Economy and Citizens

Mehmet Şimşek, Turkey’s Minister of Finance, weighed in on the matter saying that the country is committed to continuing the fight against illicit gambling and fraud. He emphasized that unlicensed operations not only channel untaxed money toward the black market but also expose citizens to higher risks of addiction and harm.

Şimşek vowed to intensify the crackdown on illegal gambling and lottery gaming. He added that unlicensed lottery games and raffles are likewise dangerous and must be addressed.

Turkey Continues to Fight the Black Market

In December, Turkey stepped up its efforts in the war on illegal gambling, as the Cyber Crimes Combat Department and the Gendarmerie General Command teamed up to tackle unlicensed gambling dens across the country.

Authorities conducted operations in some 16 provinces, detaining dozens of suspects. Some of these included social media influencers who used their fame to promote illegal gambling products. This followed earlier action against celebrities who promoted similar products and highlighted Turkey’s desire to show that even higher-profile people are not above the law.

In December, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya underscored the importance of taking a stance against illegal gambling, saying that such operators are detrimental to both Turkey and its citizens.