Turkey Moves to Ban Betting Ads as Lawmakers Target Youth Gambling Surge

Turkey is preparing a sweeping new legislative move aimed at curbing the rapid spread of betting—particularly among minors—by introducing strict advertising bans and access restrictions. A draft law expected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in the coming days has already sparked public debate, as it targets one of the fastest-growing and most controversial areas of digital consumption.

The planned legislation would introduce a full ban on betting advertisements, mirroring the long-standing advertising prohibitions applied to alcohol and tobacco products. Lawmakers argue that betting has evolved into a serious social risk, especially for young people, and now requires the same level of regulatory intervention.

Multi-Ministry Effort Signals Political Priority

The draft law is being prepared through coordinated technical work involving the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The involvement of multiple ministries underscores that the proposal is not merely an economic or regulatory issue, but one framed around public health, child protection, and social welfare.

Once the inter-ministerial process is completed, the proposal is expected to be formally submitted to parliament, where it is likely to become one of the most closely watched items on the legislative agenda.

Total Ban on Betting Advertisements

At the core of the proposal is a complete prohibition on betting-related advertising. If adopted, betting companies will no longer be allowed to promote or encourage gambling activities through traditional media, digital platforms, sponsorships, or indirect marketing channels.

Lawmakers aim to eliminate the normalization of betting by placing it under the same restrictive framework applied to alcohol and cigarettes. The rationale is clear: reducing exposure reduces participation, particularly among vulnerable groups such as teenagers and young adults.

Officials argue that aggressive marketing has played a key role in expanding betting culture, especially online, and that banning advertisements is a necessary step to limit its reach and social impact.

Broader Social Provisions Included in the Bill

The draft legislation is expected to go beyond gambling regulations. According to sources familiar with the proposal, the bill will also include a significant expansion of maternity leave, increasing it from 16 weeks to 24 weeks.

By combining social policy reforms with gambling regulations, lawmakers appear to be positioning the bill as a broader family- and youth-oriented legislative package, rather than a narrow regulatory intervention.

Blocking Betting Access for Minors

Another central pillar of the proposal focuses on preventing minors from accessing betting platforms. Authorities are particularly concerned about the 15–18 age group, where exposure to online betting content has reportedly increased in recent years.

Under the planned regulations:

• Betting platforms will face stricter age-verification requirements

• Access to betting-related content for minors will be actively restricted

• Enforcement mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure compliance

The goal is to close loopholes that currently allow underage users to access betting services through digital channels, social media, or indirect promotional content.

Rising Concerns Over Youth Gambling

The legislative push reflects growing concern that betting has become increasingly embedded in everyday digital life, often presented as entertainment rather than a high-risk activity. Lawmakers argue that without firm legal boundaries, minors are being exposed to financial risk, addiction, and long-term social harm at an early age.

By aligning betting regulations with those governing alcohol and tobacco, the government aims to send a clear message: gambling is not a harmless pastime and should not be marketed as such, especially to young audiences.

What Comes Next

Once submitted to parliament, the draft law is expected to trigger intense debate among lawmakers, industry representatives, and civil society groups. Supporters argue the measures are overdue and necessary to protect children and public health, while critics are likely to raise concerns about enforcement, digital oversight, and the broader implications for regulated betting operators.