Turkey’s Illegal Gambling Crackdown and What Ontario Can Learn
In 2024, Turkish authorities took decisive action to combat illegal gambling, closing down a staggering 233,000 unauthorised gambling websites—a 38% increase from the previous year. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, is part of Turkey's ongoing effort to address unlicensed gambling operations and ensure citizens are protected from financial crimes and victimization.
A significant portion of the blocked websites, 56%, originated from the United States, with other notable sources including Armenia and the Netherlands. Additionally, criminal and administrative measures were taken against unauthorised virtual and physical draws, with 286 cases forwarded to prosecutors. The government has enacted strict penalties, including prison sentences of 3 to 6 years for those caught running illegal lottery operations.
The closure of these websites comes as part of a broader strategy to eliminate unregistered economic activities that cause tax losses. Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasised the government's commitment to preventing illegal gambling and protecting citizens from its harmful effects.
With this aggressive stance on illegal gambling, Ontario should follow suit. By taking similar measures to block unauthorised gambling websites, Ontario could safeguard its residents, prevent tax revenue loss, and ensure that only licensed operators provide gambling services within the province. Implementing a robust strategy to shut down illegal online platforms would not only enhance consumer protection but also reinforce the integrity of Ontario's regulated gambling market.Mark Patterson is the news writer at CasinosInCanada who covers the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including casino launches, regulations, and market updates.
It's about time governments stepped up their game to eliminate illegal gambling sites. Ontario should definitely prioritize this to keep the playing field level and ensure fair play for everyone.
If Ontario followed Turkey's example, it would make a huge difference. There are so many unlicensed sites out there offering risky deals. The government needs to take control of the situation for the safety of players.
This is a necessary step for any government serious about protecting its citizens from illegal gambling. I hope Ontario looks into adopting similar measures to make sure only trusted operators are available.
I agree, shutting down illegal sites not only reduces tax evasion but also makes it safer for players who might otherwise get scammed. Ontario should take action before things get out of hand.
It's great to see Turkey taking a strong stand against illegal gambling. Ontario could definitely benefit from a similar crackdown to protect players and ensure the integrity of the gambling market.