11.05.2026 12:22
A historic step is being taken regarding illegal betting, which President Erdoğan said 'we will eradicate its roots.' 3 million 173 thousand people, including many from the celebrity community found to have engaged in illegal betting, have been put under scrutiny. It has been learned that these individuals will be fined between 100,000 and 400,000 lira.
A critical step has been taken in the fight against illegal betting and gambling, which President Erdogan pointed to by saying "We will eradicate it."
THE LARGEST OPERATION IN REPUBLICAN HISTORY
As the all-out fight against illegal gambling and betting accelerates, the largest operation in Republican history has been carried out in an investigation spanning 81 provinces. A total of 3,173,000 people who engaged in illegal betting have been identified. These individuals will each face fines.
MILLIONS OF USER DATA SCRUTINIZED
Following months of technical surveillance by cyber police and prosecutor teams, the databases of illegal betting sites were examined one by one. Exactly 13.8 million user data points were scrutinized. The investigations revealed that over 3 million people with clearly identified Turkish ID numbers had conducted active transactions on illegal betting systems. More than 14,000 deposit accounts and over 52,000 withdrawal accounts used for money transfers were monitored.
FAMOUS ATHLETES AND CLUB MANAGERS ALSO ON THE LIST
One of the most striking details of the investigation was the identities of those who placed illegal bets. Among the 3 million identified individuals are famous athletes from the football, basketball, and volleyball communities, some club managers, and names well known to the public.
THIS WILL BE A FIRST
Those identified will face legal action under the Misdemeanor Law. The penalty amount for 2026 ranges between 100,000 and 400,000 lira. For the first time in Republican history, fines are being issued to this many people simultaneously.
WHAT DID ERDOGAN SAY?
President Erdogan stated regarding the fight against illegal betting: "We have implemented a comprehensive action plan to eradicate the scourge of virtual betting and gambling that drags our people into a quagmire."