Turkey's President says online gambling poses serious dangers

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's President, spoke during the recent launch of a youth channel
• In his speech, the President warned about the negative impact of online gambling, alcohol and cigarettes, saying those activities "are as, or even more, damaging than terrorism"
• Despite the countrywide ban on gambling, illegal casinos and betting operations engage with players across the country

The crackdown on illegal gambling in Turkey continues with the country's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, recently condemning gambling, saying the activity may be equally or even more damaging than terrorism.

Gambling, alcohol and cigarettes compared to terrorism

It was three decades ago when Turkey completely banned land-based gambling, including slot parlors and casinos.

A sole exception to the country-wide ban is applicable to a state-operated company that is permitted to offer betting on sports as well as lotteries.

Despite the ban, over recent years, illegal gambling and its expansion, thanks to smartphones, has continued, reaching audiences across the country and in some cases, even children.

In the latest fight against the illegal gambling vertical, President Erdogan spoke about the dangers of gambling and other vices like alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.

The President discussed the topic during a recent launch of a TV channel focusing on youth growth, condemning alcohol, gambling and cigarettes.

President Erdogan said: "Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and online betting have reached levels of harm to our national fabric that are as, or even more, damaging than terrorism," quoted in a report released by Tribuna.

Moreover, he pointed out: "This is the bitter truth that those who try to legitimize gambling from group platforms."

Turkey's President further warned that the "family institution is in danger," explaining that thanks to smartphones, "every phone has become a casino."

Not unexpectedly, President Erdogan encouraged society, media and people across the country to tackle addiction to vices such as alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Fight against illegal gambling continues

The announcement marks another step in the country's plan against illegal gambling.

Only recently, banks in Turkey joined the ongoing war against the black market, sending informative messages to their clients.

Notably, banks said that individuals who grant third parties access to their accounts are at risk of being liable for crimes such as fraud, illegal gambling and money laundering.

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