Industry News
Turkey initiates massive illegal online gambling hunt

The government of Turkey has started a nationwide illegal online gambling crackdown, even as its search for a new technology partner for the functioning of state-run sports betting is on.
The Cybercrime Division Branch of the Istanbul Security Directorate conducted simultaneous raids across 40 provinces. As many as 5000 police officers were involved in the raids, which resulted in the arrest of 394 individuals. The police arrested 207 persons from Istanbul alone.
The raids were conducted after it was found that a number of companies that ostensibly doing other businesses such as cosmetics, food and travel were actually involved in illegal gambling operations. It was also found that these companies conducted wagers worth TRY3.5b (US$671m) through a total of 4,345 local bank accounts. The raids have so far resulted in the seizure of TRL42m, $94k and €133k.
The nabbed persons could receive stiff fines and likely prison sentences, as Turkey has stringent anti-gambling laws. According to the Turkish law, gambling outside the state-run SportToto (sports betting) and Milli Piyango (lottery) operations are prohibited. But it is estimated that Turkish gamblers continue to wager around $11.4b each year via unauthorised channels.
-
Africa6 days ago
The Top 5 Welcome Bonuses South African Online Casino Players Can Look Forward to in February 2025
-
eSports7 days ago
CHESS GRANDMASTER MAXIME VACHIER-LAGRAVE SIGNS FOR TEAM VITALITY
-
eSports5 days ago
BLAST.tv Austin Major Becomes Austin’s First Arena Esports Event & Sells Out in Record Six Hours
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
BGC CEO Warns of Growing Threat of Illegal Gambling Black Market
-
Latest News4 days ago
Week 7/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News6 days ago
Evo Awards Show Reveals Official Run of Show on Feb. 15 Dedicated to Celebrating the Fighting Game Community
-
eSports6 days ago
BETBY TO POWER SOFTLABS’ ESPORTS PORTFOLIO WITH BETBY GAMES
-
Australia5 days ago
David Tsai named as Featured Speaker at Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney