Turkey Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Promotion, Detains High-Profile Influencers and Celebrities
17 people, including influencers and celebrities, have been arrested in a recent operation against illegal gambling in Turkey. Despite strict laws, Turkey can’t seem to curb illegal gambling.
Turkey’s Strict Gambling Laws and Growing Illegal Market
Turkey has some of the toughest gambling laws in Europe, with land based casinos banned for nearly 30 years and online betting heavily restricted.
Despite this, illegal gambling is a big problem. Recent police operations are targeting promotion of illegal gambling which has now involved high profile personalities on social media.
Latest Arrests in Turkey’s Anti-Gambling Operation
17 people were detained according to the orders of Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities had initially wanted to arrest 21 people suspected of promoting illegal gambling. 4 of them are still at large, some of whom are outside the country.
Influencers Sefa Caner Saricam, Ibrahim Yilmaz, Muzaffer Zorbey Erkoclar, actor Mehmet Ali Erbil, singer Serdar Ortac and former footballer Batuhan Karadeniz are among those being investigated for promoting illegal gambling.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Battle Against Promotion
It’s not clear if the detained are charged yet but according to Turkish law, organizing or promoting gambling is a criminal act that can result to imprisonment and fines.
Using the internet to promote gambling adds an aggravating circumstance to these crimes under Turkish Penal Code.
The latest arrests came after an MP from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Halil Ozturk’s statement in Parliament that illegal gambling has been increasing and billions of dollars are leaving the country.
TFF Bans Clubs from Being Affiliated with Illegal Gambling
TFF has reacted to the growing problem by introducing rules that prohibit clubs from promoting illegal betting.
Clubs found violating these rules will be fined and repeat offenders will be deducted points. TFF is taking a strong stance against professional football being involved in promoting illegal gambling.
Turkey’s recent moves show the government is serious about illegal gambling especially with social media and popular figures promoting these activities.
The ongoing measures means Turkey will stick to its strict gambling laws and prevent more economic losses from illegal operations.
