Turkey Tightens Financial Controls to Combat Illegal Betting
Turkey has ushered in 2026 with a significantly tougher financial surveillance regime, raising the compliance bar for banks and payment service providers as part of a coordinated push against illegal betting, money laundering and organised crime.
At the heart of the updated framework is a new monitoring threshold for large transfers. Any transaction valued at TRY 200,000 or more now requires customers to provide a precise explanation outlining the purpose of the payment. Financial institutions must log and assess this information as part of enhanced due diligence requirements introduced on 1 January 2026. Oversight of the system falls to Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), according to local media coverage.
More intrusive checks apply to high-value transactions. Transfers exceeding TRY 20 million trigger mandatory verification of the source of funds, with banks required to collect corroborating documentation. Where applicable, this may include proof of asset ownership, such as property deeds, to substantiate the declared origin of funds.
Escalating controls tied to transaction size
The revised MASAK framework adopts a stepped compliance model, designed to progressively increase transparency as transaction values rise. Smaller qualifying transfers demand justification, while larger movements of capital are subject to formal documentation and source validation.
Compliance specialists have characterised the approach as a layered system intended to limit the circulation of unexplained capital and improve traceability across the banking sector.
Judicial reforms strengthen enforcement reach
The financial tightening coincides with parallel changes to Turkey’s legal toolkit. Under the country’s 11th Judicial Package, prosecutors now have broader authority to act swiftly against suspected illegal betting operations, including expanded powers to freeze accounts and confiscate assets linked to criminal activity.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has positioned the reforms as a necessary response to enforcement shortcomings. In comments reported by multiple Turkish outlets, Tunç said illegal betting operations exploit financial loopholes and act as a funding mechanism for organised crime, while also creating widespread social harm.
Banks warn of gambling-linked exposure
Turkey’s major banks have begun alerting customers to the risks associated with transactions tied to unlicensed gambling. Reports indicate that institutions are advising account holders that such activity may result in heightened scrutiny, legal consequences or enforcement action under the reinforced monitoring rules.
Political backing and long-term coordination
The stricter controls are underpinned by a broader government strategy. Turkey has already published a national action plan covering 2025–2026 focused on combating illegal betting and gambling across digital channels, with agencies expected to coordinate enforcement efforts.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has publicly endorsed a hardline stance, with government messaging emphasising sustained, cross-institutional enforcement through 2026.
