Turkey is preparing to outlaw most forms of betting and gambling advertising as part of a wider crackdown on illegal gambling networks, online platforms, and insider betting scandals tied to professional football.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, the government is finalising a bill that would extend existing advertising bans on alcohol and tobacco to betting and gambling promotions. If approved, the new law would prohibit betting ads across television, radio, outdoor media, and digital channels, including social media and influencer marketing.
Advertising Ban Targets Illegal Gambling Growth
The proposed legislation forms part of a broader government campaign to curb illegal gambling and reduce youth exposure to betting content. Officials say the Justice Ministry, Interior Ministry, and Ministry of Family and Social Services jointly drafted the bill.
In addition to banning advertising, the proposal would grant authorities expanded powers to block access to illegal betting platforms. It would also introduce new restrictions on digital wallets and payment tools used by minors.
Turkey banned private casinos in 1998 and outlawed non-state online gambling in 2006. As a result, only state-run products such as the national lottery and IDDAA sports betting remain legal. However, despite these limits, unlicensed operators continue to attract users through aggressive online marketing and social media campaigns.
Illegal Sites Surge Despite Blocking Efforts
Government data shows the scale of the problem continues to grow. In January, the Treasury and Finance Ministry said the National Lottery Administration blocked access to 233,000 illegal betting and gambling websites in 2024, up from 168,000 the year before.
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek said the government remains committed to preventing financial crime and unregistered economic activity. He added that authorities would continue taking “all necessary measures” to combat illegal betting, virtual gambling, and unauthorised draws.
Still, blocking websites alone has failed to reduce demand. Many illegal operators quickly relaunch under new domains or rely on overseas hosting services. As a result, regulators have shifted focus toward advertising channels and payment systems that help these platforms reach users.
Football Betting Scandals Drive Enforcement Push
Professional football has become a major focus of enforcement efforts. A high-profile insider betting investigation has already led to widespread suspensions and arrests.
In November, Istanbul chief prosecutor Akın Gürlek confirmed that authorities were expanding an investigation into betting by referees, club staff, and insiders. He warned that club chairmen and senior executives could also face scrutiny.
Earlier this year, the Turkish Football Federation suspended 149 referees and assistants after discovering that hundreds of match officials held betting accounts. Subsequent operations led to multiple arrests, including a top-division club chairman, while more than 1,000 players received bans as lower-league fixtures were temporarily halted.
Influencers and Celebrities Face Legal Action
Authorities have also targeted the promotion of illegal gambling through influencers and entertainers. Investigators allege that actors, singers, and social media personalities promoted betting platforms through livestreams, sponsored events, and branded content.
In 2024 and 2025, police detained several high-profile figures, placing some under house arrest and imposing travel bans on others. Prosecutors argued that these promotions caused financial harm to the economy and disrupted social order by encouraging illegal gambling at scale.
Lawmakers Weigh Public Health Concerns
Draft language reported by Anadolu would ban both direct and indirect promotion of betting services. This includes sponsorships, affiliate links, and branded content. The proposal would also empower the Advertising Board under the Trade Ministry to impose rapid penalties on media outlets and digital platforms that violate the rules.
Officials describe the measure as a public health initiative rather than a moral stance. They point to growing concern over youth gambling, particularly on mobile apps and social platforms where age checks remain weak. Campaigners have warned that children as young as nine have accessed betting platforms through influencer links and underground tipster groups.
While the government has not yet released a full draft, lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal in the coming weeks. Their decision will shape the future visibility of betting brands in Turkey and define how far the country is willing to go in balancing prohibition, enforcement, and consumer protection in one of Europe’s most tightly controlled gambling markets.
