Türkiye’s Banks Launch Consumer Warnings on Illegal Gambling Risks
Türkiye’s Enhanced Efforts Against Illegal Gambling
Türkiye has ramped up initiatives to combat the illegal gambling sector, a persistent concern for law enforcement and the judiciary. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has introduced a comprehensive strategy aimed at curbing this illicit activity.
Bank Notifications Highlighting the Dangers of Unlicensed Gambling
In a recent development, major Turkish banks such as Ziraat Bankası, Türkiye İş Bankası, and Garanti BBVA have begun alerting their customers about the dangers associated with unlicensed gambling websites. These notifications inform account holders about the risks of participating in illegal gambling and warn against facilitating transactions related to these platforms.
These efforts are integral to the government’s broader “Action Plan” to reduce the growth of illegal gambling operations. As part of this initiative, banks are tasked with not only issuing warnings but also actively blocking suspicious payments and transfers. Additionally, they must report any related account activity to the appropriate authorities.
Furthermore, banks are required to provide detailed information about specific accounts flagged by law enforcement within ten days, enabling swift investigation and prosecution of offenders.
Strengthened Judicial Powers to Combat Gambling and Financial Crimes
The plan also expands judicial authority, allowing courts to act more quickly on cases involving illegal gambling and associated financial offenses. This enhanced capability is expected to improve the efficiency of cracking down on unlawful operations across the country.
Addressing Corruption in Turkish Soccer Linked to Gambling
Financial intelligence plays a vital role in this crackdown, helping authorities identify and target illicit transactions. Alongside efforts to tackle illegal gambling, Türkiye is also confronting corruption within its sports leagues.
In early December, law enforcement arrested at least 20 individuals connected to a large-scale investigation into corruption affecting the nation’s top-tier and second-tier soccer leagues. This operation underscores the government’s commitment to cleaning up both illegal gambling and sports-related corruption.
