October 18, 2024 3 min read

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Fact-checked by Velimir Velichkov

Illegal Gambling in Turkey Fuels Youth Crisis, Politician Warns

An MP in Turkey estimated that while billions of dollars flow out of the country, millions of people, including young people, are affected by illegal gambling

It takes a comprehensive approach to effectively combat unlawful gambling, especially in the digital age. Illegal online gambling operations are easy to set up and can bring exponential harm which is why countries across the globe constantly fight the black market. During a recent speech, one MP in Turkey warned about the dangers of illegal gambling, warning the activity affects millions and deprives the countries of billions of dollars every year.

10 Million People Affected by Illegal Gambling

Halil Ozturk, an MP with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), recently spoke to the Turkish Parliament, warning about the devastating impact of unlawful gambling. The MP revealed that terrorist organizations are profiting from illegal gambling while at the same time, young people are pushed toward suicide and families are destroyed.

Ozturk estimated that unlawful gambling across the country is tied to approximately $10 billion every year. With this sum leaving the country, some 10 million people are affected by the activity, according to the MP. On one hand, unlawful gambling deprives the country of billions, while on the other, fuels unlawful activities and leaves families devastated, Ozturk revealed.

Previously, the MP introduced a bill that called for tough penalties for illegal gambling. Ozturk’s bill proposed penalizing unlawful gambling with effective prison time as a way to combat the black market. It’s important to note that illegal gambling remains a challenge in Turkey despite the ban on brick-and-mortar casinos.

Addictive Illegal Gambling Platforms Reach Customers Thanks to Online Ads

One great cause of concern, according to Ozturk, is the ease illegal gambling spreads across the country thanks to online advertisements and smartphones. Quoted by Turkiye Today, the MP explained: “These addictive betting and gambling platforms, often promoted through online advertisements, lead users into more dangerous gambling activities, pulling our youth deeper into this trap.”

Moreover, Ozturk pointed to the dangers of illegal gambling platforms that do not enforce age restrictions. This, according to him, impacts many young people who become victims of gambling. “This is not just a gambling issue; it’s also funding terrorism and organized crime,” Ozturk said about unlawful gambling.

During his speech, the MP asked for the immediate implementation of tougher penalties for unlawful gambling. He also supported the idea of dedicating additional efforts to combat the black market.

Back in September, the popular Turkish soccer club, Galatasaray, put a sponsorship deal on hold amid concerns about unlawful betting. This affected the team’s sponsorship with Serwin Global Solutions which halted after inaccuracies in the provided documents by the operator raised a red flag.

Journalist

Jerome is a welcome new addition to the Gambling News team, bringing years of journalistic experience within the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry begun after he graduated from college where he played in regular local poker tournaments which eventually lead to exposure towards the growing popularity of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now puts all the knowledge he's accrued to fuel his passion for journalism, providing our team with the latest scoops online.

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