Türkiye Blocks $114M in Illegal iGaming Funds
Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), operating under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, summed up its 2025 actions against the financial infrastructure serving iGaming operators operating illegally in the country.
The investigations targeted both individuals generating illegal income and the payment and cryptocurrency channels through which online gambling funds were processed.
Blocking funds and uncovering schemes
According to MASAK, $114 million in suspicious funds linked to illegal betting and online gambling activities were blocked in 2025.
The investigation uncovered organized networks that used bank accounts, payment services, and cryptocurrency platforms to launder funds. Some transactions were carried out in foreign currency and digital assets.
Use of payment infrastructure
Analysis showed that intermediaries of iGaming operators relied on payment solutions designed to resemble legitimate financial services, including virtual POS terminals used to collect funds from players.
In response, regulators tightened oversight of these tools and shut down numerous bank accounts involved in money laundering schemes.
License revocations and seizure of crypto assets
Türkiye’s central bank revoked the licenses of six payment and electronic money institutions that had systematically processed transactions for illegal iGaming operators.
In addition, assets belonging to one cryptocurrency service provider were seized, and a separate seizure order was issued against another crypto platform linked to illegal transactions.
Restrictions on cryptocurrency transfers
As part of measures against illegal online gambling, new restrictions on cryptocurrency transfers were introduced, including transactions involving stablecoins.
Compliance requirements were also tightened for payment services, electronic money institutions, and cryptocurrency providers.
Public warning and the role of drop accounts
Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek stated that organizers of illegal betting schemes are increasingly using third-party accounts, including bank, payment, and cryptocurrency accounts.
He warned that allowing accounts to be used on a temporary basis, for compensation, or under authorization could lead to criminal liability.
Use of legal entities
According to MASAK, some intermediaries obtained permission to register companies under nominee individuals and used those companies’ accounts to collect illegal proceeds.
The authority stated that asset freezes, license revocations, and seizures will continue to stop the circulation of illegal iGaming funds in Türkiye.