01.11.2025 02:50
The "Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Gambling, and Games of Chance in the Virtual Environment" has been published in the Official Gazette with the signature of President Erdoğan. The circular signed by President Erdoğan states that the action plan was prepared in cooperation with public institutions and civil society organizations under the coordination of MASAK.
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Turkey made a striking move at midnight while discussing illegal betting and gambling; a "Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in the Virtual Environment" was published in the Official Gazette with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
MASAK WILL COORDINATE
In the circular signed by President Erdoğan, it was reported that an action plan was prepared in cooperation with public institutions and civil society organizations under the coordination of MASAK. Accordingly, MASAK will coordinate the implementation and monitoring activities of the action plan.
"POSES A SERIOUS THREAT TO PUBLIC ORDER"
It was stated that, in general, "Illegal betting, games of chance, and gambling activities that disrupt family integrity, weaken social relations, and target all segments of society, especially young people; in addition to their mentioned harms, increase the informal economy and create a ground for the laundering of criminal proceeds, thus posing a serious threat to public order."
The circular stated the following:
"Illegal betting, games of chance, and gambling activities that disrupt family integrity, weaken social relations, and target all segments of society, especially young people; in addition to their mentioned harms, increase the informal economy and create a ground for the laundering of criminal proceeds, thus posing a serious threat to public order. In this regard, effective combat against illegal betting, games of chance, and gambling is vital for ensuring public safety, protecting social structure, and sustaining economic and social welfare.
The growth of the virtual world, the widespread use of social media, and the diversification of financial technologies have significantly changed the nature and spread of illegal betting, games of chance, and gambling activities. Tools such as social media, payment infrastructures, and crypto assets have facilitated access to these activities, giving the existing problem a cross-border dimension. This situation necessitates the continuous improvement of detection, intervention, and monitoring capacity, as well as the adoption of innovative measures.
In this multifaceted struggle currently being conducted, due to the level reached by the technological and financial infrastructure of the problem and its international dimension, it is essential to strengthen the legal and administrative infrastructure, increase technical competence and inspection capacity, enhance inter-institutional coordination, take measures to address the root of the problem through international collaborations, and expand protection and awareness activities for our citizens.
In this context, an "Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in the Virtual Environment (2025-2026)" has been prepared in cooperation with public institutions and civil society organizations under the coordination of the Financial Crimes Investigation Board to detect and prevent illegal betting, games of chance, and gambling activities at all stages in virtual environments, financial systems, advertising and promotion channels, and international dimensions. The Action Plan will be shared with the institutions and organizations responsible for the actions and with which cooperation will be made, and the implementation and monitoring activities of the Action Plan will be coordinated.
In this regard, I kindly request that all public institutions and organizations diligently fulfill their duties and responsibilities under the Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting, Games of Chance, and Gambling in the Virtual Environment (2025-2026), and that all public institutions and organizations provide any support and assistance needed during the implementation and monitoring process of the Action Plan meticulously and as a priority."
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