Turkey is intensifying its crackdown on financial crime and illegal gambling. The government has introduced stricter banking regulations to increase transparency across the financial system. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) will implement the measures starting January 1. The rules aim to tighten oversight of high-value transactions that authorities believe illicit gambling networks are exploiting.
Under the new rules, banks must obtain detailed documentation for all transactions of ₺200,000 (£3,431) or more. Individuals and corporations can no longer provide vague or generic explanations and must clearly state the purpose of each transfer. For even larger sums, the scrutiny increases further. Banks must verify the source of funds for deposits or withdrawals exceeding ₺20 million (£343,100). They must also collect supporting documents, such as property deeds or sale agreements.
These measures align with international anti-money-laundering standards. They are part of Turkey’s broader strategy to combat illicit gambling, money laundering, and financial system corruption. The regulatory push also builds on expanded enforcement powers from the 11th Judicial Package. This package strengthened prosecutors’ authority to seize funds, freeze assets, and pursue cases linked to unlicensed betting operations.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said the reforms aim to close loopholes. These loopholes have allowed illegal betting networks to operate widely and largely without punishment. Authorities argue that such networks not only undermine financial integrity but also finance organized crime and create significant social harm.
As a result, Turkish banks and payment providers now face tighter compliance obligations. Financial institutions must respond to official requests for customer data within ten days or risk administrative penalties. Major lenders, including Ziraat Bankası, Türkiye İş Bankası, and Garanti BBVA, have already begun notifying customers about increased monitoring of gambling-related activity.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on illegal gambling and financial crime. He confirmed that enforcement efforts will continue to escalate into 2026 as Turkey prepares for its next election cycle.
