Erdoğan Calls Illegal Betting a National Security Threat

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan placed illegal online betting, virtual gambling, and several other high-impact social issues at the center of high-level party discussions this week. Speaking first at the High Advisory Council and later at the AK Party Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting, Erdoğan warned that online gambling represents a growing threat to Türkiye’s family structure and societal stability.

According to reporting by Yeni Şafak, Erdoğan expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of illegal betting networks and instructed his senior team to take decisive action. His remarks framed the issue not merely as one of public morality but as a matter of national security requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.

“This is above politics — it is a national security issue,” Erdoğan reportedly said. Highlighting the social damage caused by online gambling platforms, he stressed:
“We will eradicate this problem. We will not allow any step that threatens or harms our family structure and our society. This is a supra-political issue, a national security matter. Whatever needs to be done must be done.”

Erdoğan instructed all levels of the party organization — from central leadership to local branches — as well as Cabinet members to mobilize immediately. “Every member of our party and our Cabinet, every unit, every deputy chairman will take action. Resolve this issue,” he was quoted as saying.

Syria and a New ‘Resolution Process’ Also on the MYK Agenda

Beyond illegal betting, the MYK meeting addressed several strategic policy topics, including Türkiye’s approach to Syria and renewed discussions surrounding a potential new “resolution process.”

The deliberations followed Erdoğan’s speech a day earlier in which he reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to delivering on its promises to Syrians. However, MYK sources indicated that a concrete timetable for the announced steps has not yet been finalized. Erdoğan was quoted as saying, “We will go to Syria as guests,” signaling a possible shift in diplomatic engagement but offering no further detail on sequencing.

At the same time, AK Party officials have been preparing a comprehensive document for Parliament: the National Unity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission report. Initially expected to be shorter, the report has reportedly expanded to more than 60 pages after new additions and revisions. The document is anticipated to outline the framework for a fresh phase in Türkiye’s domestic reconciliation agenda.

According to party sources cited in the reporting, Erdoğan emphasized firm commitment to the initiative, saying, “There is no turning back from this. We will resolve this matter.”

His message suggests an intent to push forward despite the complexities and political sensitivities surrounding any renewed resolution process.

Illegal Betting Crackdown: Why It Now Sits at the Top of the Agenda

Erdoğan’s decision to elevate the fight against virtual gambling reflects several converging concerns:

• Growing financial exploitation linked to illegal betting networks

• Social harm affecting families, particularly youth

• Cyber-based criminal structures operating across borders

• Potential links to organized crime, prompting the national security framing

By instructing every level of the party and the Cabinet to engage, Erdoğan signaled that the government intends to pursue both legislative tightening and intensified law-enforcement action.