Turkey’s Treasury and Finance Ministry, through its National Lottery Administration (Milli Piyango İdaresi, MPI), blocked more than 84,000 illegal gambling and betting websites in 2025, according to state-run Anadolu Agency. The move was part of a crackdown against unauthorised gambling activities in Turkey and targets illegal online betting platforms operating through websites, streaming services, social media platforms and messaging applications.
The MPI reported 84,585 websites for closure last year. Under current legislation, the MPI has the authority to request access bans for websites offering illegal online gambling services, as well as platforms promoting or directing users to unauthorised betting operators.
The number of websites reported for closure has increased sharply in recent years. Authorities reported 24,815 websites in 2022, rising to 168,030 in 2023 and 232,899 in 2024. According to the local newspaper Daily Sabah, officials said 51 per cent of blocked websites originated in the United States. Meanwhile, 7 per cent were linked to Armenia and another 7 per cent to the Isle of Man. Colombia accounted for 5 per cent of the websites identified by authorities.
Between 2006 and 2025, Turkey identified 556,818 websites involved in illegal gambling activities and successfully blocked access to 533,261 of them. Investigations revealed that many illegal gambling operators used overseas domain registration and hosting services, especially in the United States, Armenia, and several island jurisdictions.
Turkey expands illegal gambling enforcement
Authorities expanded enforcement measures in May 2025. They focused on global gaming and content providers that supply services to illegal betting and gambling websites. The number of blocked gaming and content providers reached 14,263 during the year.
Türkiye reports more than 84,000 websites for closure as authorities intensify efforts against illegal betting, online gamblinghttps://t.co/q2lfScqfky
— Daily Sabah (@DailySabah) May 26, 2026
Officials also reported 517 overseas-based illegal gambling and betting websites, along with 109 gaming platforms supplying content to those operators, to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) to support international enforcement efforts.
In addition, Turkey stepped up action against mobile applications available on digital app stores. Authorities identified 26 mobile applications containing illegal gambling and betting content and reported them to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Streaming platforms also came under scrutiny, wherein authorities blocked access to 1,902 film and television streaming websites accused of advertising or redirecting users to illegal betting and gambling platforms.
Social media accounts targeted in Turkey’s illegal gambling crackdown
The MPI launched a separate enforcement campaign in 2025 targeting social media accounts promoting illegal gambling and betting services. Authorities applied for access restrictions against 3,021 social media accounts, resulting in 2,105 accounts being blocked by court order.
A further 261 social media accounts promoting illegal gambling activities were reported to the Trade Ministry’s Advertising Board and subsequently restricted. Regulators also requested additional measures against internet browsers, search engines and social media platforms carrying advertisements linked to illegal gambling and betting services.
The MPI said it continues to file criminal complaints against operators of illegal gambling websites, mobile applications, social media accounts and individuals or companies involved in facilitating illegal money transfers connected to online betting networks.
Turkey’s gambling boom defies crackdown pressure
However, despite Turkey tightening its grip on illegal gambling, new market intelligence data suggests betting demand continues to rise. Figures from iGaming market-intelligence platform Blask show a steady rise in betting interest. The Blask Index tracks user interest across betting brands using search behaviour and engagement signals.
In March, Turkish authorities launched a coordinated national enforcement strategy led by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. The strategy aims to strengthen cooperation between prosecutors, police and specialised investigative units. The enforcement plan focuses on digital investigations, asset seizures and improved information sharing between agencies.
Last year, a major betting scandal in Turkish football led to the suspension of 149 referees. Turkish courts also jailed 20 suspects, including Super Lig players, pending trial as part of an expanding betting investigation that authorities warned could continue to widen.
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities froze Turkish lira 5 billion (approx. $108.9 million) in suspected illicit betting funds last year, constituting one of the country’s largest seizures to date. Officials say the figure is significant, but the larger shift in enforcement strategy may prove even more consequential.
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