Illegal Betting Emerges as a Social Epidemic in Türkiye, Leaked Research Reveals

Leaked findings from the ruling AK Party’s November field research have uncovered a deeply alarming trend: illegal betting and online gambling have reached epidemic proportions in Türkiye. The report portrays illegal betting not merely as a law enforcement issue, but as a systemic socio-economic threat that is eroding social structures, exploiting financial vulnerability, and draining national wealth at an unprecedented scale.

A Systematic Surge Among Younger Generations

According to Ekonomim’s reporting, the most disturbing conclusion of the research is the clear inverse relationship between age and betting participation. As the age group gets younger, illegal betting activity rises consistently. The data suggests that one in every six people in Türkiye is currently involved in illegal betting, signaling how normalized and widespread the problem has become.

The situation is most difficult among young adults. Within the 18–24 age group, 15.4% are reported to engage regularly in illegal betting activities. Among individuals aged 25–34, 13.3% remain active bettors, while an additional 11.3% report having previously participated but later quit. Experts warn that even former participants remain highly vulnerable, as digital platforms make re-entry effortless.

The research emphasizes that illegal betting networks deploy aggressive, highly targeted online advertising strategies, particularly on social media platforms, messaging apps, and unregulated websites. These campaigns are designed to appeal directly to younger users, often blurring the line between entertainment and gambling. One striking finding notes that football is increasingly perceived not as a sport but as a betting instrument, leading to declining interest in the game itself as an athletic and cultural activity.

The “False Hope” Trap Targeting the Middle Class and Small Businesses

Illegal betting is not confined to youth alone. The report highlights an intense concentration among high school graduates, small business owners, tradespeople, and unskilled workers. These groups are identified as particularly susceptible due to economic pressure and limited upward mobility.

A key psychological driver is what the research describes as a dangerous misconception: illegal betting is viewed as a legitimate income opportunity or a shortcut to financial security. For many participants, betting is framed as “hope” rather than risk.

Data show that betting participation rises sharply among middle-income groups during economic slowdowns. Analysts interpret this as a coping mechanism amid shrinking purchasing power, rising debt, and financial uncertainty. Rather than alleviating hardship, however, illegal betting frequently deepens financial distress and accelerates personal debt cycles.

A Massive Economic Drain on the National Economy

The economic damage outlined in the report is staggering. Estimates suggest that up to $150 billion flows out of Türkiye each year through illegal betting channels. This money is largely transferred abroad, bypassing taxation, regulation, and domestic reinvestment.

When measured against Türkiye’s estimated gross domestic product of $1.565 trillion, the scale of the loss becomes even more striking. Nearly 10% of national income is believed to be siphoned off through illegal gambling networks, representing one of the most significant unregulated capital outflows in the economy.

Law enforcement efforts have intensified in response. Between January 1, 2024, and October 6, 2025, authorities conducted 1,120 large-scale operations, seizing assets worth approximately 15.8 billion Turkish lira. While these figures demonstrate growing institutional action, experts caution that enforcement alone cannot dismantle a system sustained by digital accessibility, economic anxiety, and social normalization.

Beyond Crime: A Growing Social and Cultural Crisis

The research ultimately points to a broader conclusion: illegal betting has penetrated nearly every layer of society, from students and young professionals to shopkeepers and middle-income households. The steady transfer of domestic wealth abroad, combined with rising individual indebtedness, raises concerns that Türkiye is being pulled into what experts describe as a “betting quagmire.”

Specialists argue that relying solely on police raids and harsher penalties will not be sufficient. Instead, they call for a comprehensive national strategy that includes financial literacy education, digital awareness campaigns, youth-focused prevention programs, and public messaging that reframes illegal betting as a social and economic risk rather than an opportunity.