17 People, Including Celebrities, Detained in Turkey Over Illegal Gambling Case

An investigation into the promotion of illegal gambling through social media continues in Turkey. As part of the operation, 17 people, including famous singers, TV hosts, former athletes, and media influencers, were detained. This case has attracted significant public attention as several high-profile celebrities are among the suspects, given their large following.

Who Are the Suspects?

Among those detained are:

• Serdar Ortaç — a popular singer who was seen promoting online gambling.
• Mehmet Ali Erbil — a well-known TV host and actor.
• Batuhan Karadeniz — a former football player.
• İbrahim Yılmaz, Muzaffer Zorbey Erkoçlar, and Sefa Caner Sarıçam — media influencers.
• Aleksandr Menshikov — a Russian-Turkish dual citizen who is also under investigation.

They are suspected of promoting illegal gambling through their social media platforms, attracting a wide audience. Ortaç and Erbil, despite being detained, were placed under house arrest.

Measures to Combat Illegal Gambling

Gambling in Turkey is strictly regulated. Casinos were banned in 1998, and non-state online gambling was prohibited in 2006. Turkey has a state lottery (Milli Piyango), and legal online gambling exists, but illegal gambling remains prevalent, particularly in professional football, where match betting is widespread.

Recently, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) introduced new regulations aimed at combating illegal betting advertisements. Under the new rules, clubs that violate the regulations will face fines, and repeat offenders may have points deducted. These measures are designed to reduce illegal gambling activities within sports events.

How Much Is the Illegal Gambling Market Worth?

The global illegal betting market is estimated at $1.8 trillion. In Turkey, the figure is also staggering: according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board, the illegal gambling sector in Turkey is projected to exceed 100 billion lira. This makes Turkey one of the largest markets for illegal gambling, highlighting the need for strict action against this issue.

Detention of the Suspects

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention orders for 21 individuals. However, despite active police efforts, four of the suspects have not yet been apprehended. Some are believed to be abroad, complicating the authorities’ task. Efforts to arrest them are ongoing.

With each passing year, the number of investigations related to illegal gambling increases, emphasizing the importance of government action to tackle this problem. The involvement of celebrities and media influencers in such schemes helps boost the popularity of illegal gambling, which harms public safety and the country’s economy.