New judicial reforms grant prosecutors sweeping powers over bank accounts and payment platforms, placing financial institutions at the centre of Türkiye’s zero-tolerance campaign against illegal betting
Turkish banks have begun issuing direct warnings to customers regarding new legal and criminal liabilities associated with illegal online gambling, marking a significant escalation in the government’s enforcement campaign against illicit betting activities. The warnings, first reported by domestic media, signal the practical rollout of a broad legislative and regulatory overhaul led by the Ministry of Justice and supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AKP government.
The move follows the approval of Türkiye’s 11th Judicial Package on 15 December, a sweeping set of reforms designed to strengthen enforcement against financial crime, money laundering and illegal online gambling. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç described the package as a critical step in closing long-standing enforcement gaps that allowed illegal betting networks to operate at scale, often using the formal banking system and digital payment channels to move funds.
Under the new framework, prosecutors are granted expanded powers to seize assets, suspend accounts and initiate prosecutions without lengthy administrative procedures. Amendments to the Penal Code introduce harsher prison sentences and increased financial penalties for both individuals and organised groups involved in illegal gambling activities. Participants, facilitators and intermediaries now face heightened risks, including the freezing of bank accounts and digital wallets for up to 48 hours during investigations.
Financial institutions are a central focus of the reforms. Banks and payment organisations are now legally required to cooperate fully with authorities, providing transaction records, account data and payment histories within a 10-day window upon request. Failure to comply may result in administrative sanctions or criminal liability for both institutions and senior executives. These obligations also extend to mobile payment apps and fintech platforms, bringing digital wallets under the same compliance regime as traditional banks.
During the Christmas period, several major lenders, including Ziraat Bankası, Türkiye İş Bankası and Garanti BBVA, became the first to notify customers of the new risks, indicating a broader sector-wide implementation. The warnings emphasise that even indirect involvement in illegal gambling transactions may carry legal consequences.
Enforcement efforts are being coordinated by MASAK, Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board, which has intensified monitoring of bank transfers, payment intermediaries and cryptocurrency activity. In December, authorities detained 42 suspects in a major investigation involving more than TL6bn (€140m) in illegal betting transactions, underscoring the scale of the problem.
The crackdown has also expanded beyond finance into media and advertising. High-profile investigations, including the case involving GAİN Medya and Anahat Holding, have seen arrests, asset seizures and the appointment of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund as trustee to multiple companies. Officials say this reflects a broader strategy to dismantle the full ecosystem supporting illegal gambling.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that enforcement will intensify further in 2026, with increased international cooperation targeting jurisdictions accused of hosting operators serving Turkish players illegally. President Erdoğan has reiterated a zero-tolerance stance, framing the eradication of illegal gambling as a national priority and a core objective ahead of the next general election.
