Date: 18.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Turkey Faces Rising Threat from Illegal Gambling, MP Calls for Stricter Penalties

As illegal gambling continues to thrive in the digital age, Turkish MP Halil Ozturk has called for urgent action to combat the growing black market, which affects millions of people and deprives the country of billions of dollars. Speaking before the Turkish Parliament, Ozturk emphasized the need for tougher penalties and increased efforts to tackle the issue.

Impact on Society

Illegal gambling has become a significant problem in Turkey, with its reach extending across the population and causing widespread harm.

Halil Ozturk, an MP with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), recently highlighted the scale of the issue, estimating that it impacts around 10 million people in the country.

Ozturk revealed that the illegal gambling market is responsible for approximately $10 billion leaving Turkey every year, depriving the nation of crucial revenue while also fueling unlawful activities.

In his address to the Turkish Parliament, Ozturk expressed concern over the societal consequences of illegal gambling, noting that it not only devastates families but also contributes to funding terrorism and organized crime.

“This is not just a gambling issue; it’s also funding terrorism and organized crime,” Ozturk warned, stressing the urgency of implementing stricter measures to combat the problem.

Digital Platforms and Online Ads Spread Illegal Gambling

One of the key factors driving the spread of illegal gambling in Turkey is the rise of digital platforms.

According to Ozturk, illegal online gambling operations are easily accessible through smartphones and promoted aggressively through online advertisements.

These platforms, often unregulated, target vulnerable individuals, particularly young people, who are exposed to dangerous gambling activities without proper age restrictions.

“These addictive betting and gambling platforms, often promoted through online advertisements, lead users into more dangerous gambling activities, pulling our youth deeper into this trap,” Ozturk explained, highlighting the risks posed by the unchecked growth of illegal online gambling.

Calls for Stronger Penalties

Ozturk has been vocal about the need for harsher penalties to deter illegal gambling.

He previously introduced a bill that proposed effective prison sentences as a measure to combat the black market.

Despite the ban on physical casinos in Turkey, illegal gambling continues to thrive, making it essential to enforce stricter laws and dedicate additional resources to tackling the issue.

During his speech, Ozturk reiterated the need for swift action, calling for the immediate implementation of tougher penalties for those involved in unlawful gambling operations.

Related Challenges

The effects of illegal gambling have also extended to the sports world. In September, the Turkish soccer club Galatasaray suspended its sponsorship deal with Serwin Global Solutions due to concerns about unlawful betting.

The sponsorship halt followed inconsistencies in documents provided by the operator, raising concerns about its potential links to illegal gambling activities.