Turkey Blocks 30 Social Media Accounts for Illegal Gambling
The Turkish Trade Ministry has ramped up enforcement against illicit gambling, shutting down 30 social media accounts found promoting unlicensed betting. The move signals Turkey’s unwavering approach to keeping illegal gambling out of both physical and digital spaces.
Targeting Advertising Violations
The Advertising Board confirmed these accounts breached national advertising laws and consumer protection rules. Any account failing to remove prohibited gambling content permanently will remain blocked. The crackdown reflects Turkey’s commitment to treating online promotions with the same scrutiny as traditional ads.
Decades of Gambling Prohibition
Turkey outlawed casinos in 1998 and preemptively banned online gambling in 2006. Despite these bans, unlicensed operators and underground platforms have persisted, often attracting police raids. Only state run lotteries and sports betting are legally sanctioned.
Influencers and Promoters Now in Scope
Authorities stressed the crackdown targets accounts actively promoting illegal gambling, not minor infractions. Social media users, influencers and digital promoters face the risk of permanent blocking or legal consequences if they amplify unlicensed gambling activity.
Social Media Under Intense Scrutiny
Global platforms have been instructed to strengthen local compliance, respond quickly to takedown requests and ensure content adheres to Turkish law. No online space, whether mainstream or niche, is exempt from regulation.
Historical Enforcement Context
Turkey has a strong enforcement track record. International operators such as Entain faced multi million dollar fines for past violations. Domestically, hundreds of arrests have targeted unlicensed casino operators and related criminal networks, highlighting the intersection of illegal gambling with organized crime.
Limiting Exposure to Protect Consumers
Officials note that visibility drives illegal gambling. By blocking promotional accounts and removing content, authorities aim to curb public engagement with unlicensed platforms and protect consumers from unregulated betting risks.
Warning to the Gambling Industry
The latest crackdown reinforces Turkey’s stance: private gambling ventures are strictly forbidden. The government now targets the broader promotional ecosystem, signaling that indirect participation carries serious financial and legal risks.
Ongoing Commitment to Regulation
Turkey’s multi decade campaign combines strict prohibition, fines, and enforcement to safeguard the legal market. The recent social media actions underline the state’s zero tolerance policy and serve as a stark warning to operators, promoters and influencers: unlicensed gambling will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
