Türkiye holds workshop to combat illegal betting and virtual gambling

The Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Legal Policy Board held a workshop at Çankaya Mansion to address illegal betting and virtual gambling. The meeting focused on implementing the ‘Action Plan to Combat Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in Virtual Environments,’ which was announced on October 31, 2025.

Mehmet Uçum, Deputy Chairman of the Legal Policy Board, emphasized that the state cannot allow the digital sphere to become a lawless area. He noted that illegal gambling has evolved into a dynamic crime ecosystem utilizing social media, various payment channels, and cross-border financial movements. Uçum stressed that success depends on real-time data sharing, close monitoring of financial transactions, and effective use of digital evidence through inter-institutional coordination.

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak highlighted the negative impact of illegal betting on youth development, noting a lack of controls for individuals under 18 in illegal systems. He contrasted these activities with the legal system managed by the Spor Toto Organization Presidency, which contributes revenue to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for investments in student dormitories, sports facilities, and youth organizations.