Illegal betting investigations have been increasing rapidly in recent years. One day the police may come to your door, a freeze may be placed on your bank account or you may be summoned to give a statement. In such a situation, working with an experienced illegal betting lawyer is decisive for the process to proceed in your favour.

What Is the Offence of Illegal Betting?

In Türkiye, betting may be played only through institutions authorised by the State. Operating betting on sports competitions outside the authority granted by law, providing a place or opportunity for it, acting as an intermediary in money transfers and advertising are offences under Article 5 of Law No. 7258 on Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports; merely placing such bets, however, is a misdemeanour requiring an administrative fine. For games of chance other than sports betting, Article 228 TPC applies.

The offence is assessed in two groups:

• Those who operate betting and those who act as intermediaries: Persons who recruit members for foreign sites or act as intermediaries in money transfers. They face severe penalties.
• Those who place bets: Not imprisonment, but an administrative fine is imposed by the local administrative authority (mülki amir), set in the Law at TRY 5,000–20,000 and increased each year by the revaluation rate.

This distinction forms the basis of the defence.

How Does an Investigation Begin and Proceed?

Investigations mostly begin with the examination of bank transactions. When the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) detects suspicious money transfers, it reports the matter to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

The process generally proceeds through the following stages:

1. Emergence of suspicion: MASAK notification or a denunciation.
2. Account freeze: A measure may be placed on bank accounts.
3. Summons to give a statement: Law enforcement (police/gendarmerie) or the public prosecutor's office invites the person to give a statement.
4. Collection of evidence: Bank records, HTS records (historical traffic search – call detail records) and digital data are examined.
5. Decision: The public prosecutor's office issues a decision of non-prosecution or an indictment.

Each stage offers a separate opportunity for the defence. The biggest mistake is to give the first statement without legal support.

When Is a Lawyer's Support Necessary?

Short answer: At the earliest possible stage. In the following situations, it is advisable to obtain support from a lawyer without losing time; the suspect has the right to benefit from the assistance of defence counsel at every stage (Article 149 CCP):

• If a freeze or measure has been placed on your account
• If you have received an invitation to give a statement
• If a search has been conducted at your home or workplace
• If a police custody or arrest order has been issued

Every step taken at these stages enters the file as evidence.

What Should Be Done First?

The first thing to do in an illegal betting investigation is to consult a criminal lawyer before giving a statement. Account documents should be retained, no hasty declarations should be made, and it should be checked whether the evidence was collected lawfully. Early legal support significantly increases the likelihood of a decision of non-prosecution.

The Role of Digital Evidence

The most decisive element in these files is digital evidence. Bank records, IP addresses and payment history determine the fate of the file. However, a record obtained in breach of procedure constitutes a strong ground of objection for the defence.

Conclusion

Illegal betting investigations are technical files that proceed quickly. Informed steps taken at the beginning of the process can completely change the course of the file.

If you are facing an investigation, the most sound decision is to meet with an experienced illegal betting lawyer without losing time. For legal support, contact Coşkun Genç Law Office today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is placing illegal bets an offence? An administrative fine is imposed on those who place bets. However, operating betting or acting as an intermediary is a criminal offence, and imprisonment may come into consideration.

A freeze has been placed on my account; what should I do? Retain the documents and consult a criminal lawyer before making any declaration. It is important that an objection to the freeze is filed within the time limit.

Is a decision of non-prosecution possible? Yes. If the evidence is insufficient or unlawfully obtained, the public prosecutor's office may issue a decision of non-prosecution. Early legal support increases this likelihood.