The governing party in Turkey has presented a set of changes to the National Assembly, one of which would give the administration the authority to restrict access to illicit sports wagering sites.
Turkish legislation already permits the government to block websites that provide casino games and other unlawful activities. However, this amendment would broaden the definition to encompass sports betting, which in Turkey is only authorized by the state lottery.
The legislation asserts that illicit betting and gambling websites lure individuals of all ages and socioeconomic levels into criminal organizations, thereby disrupting social harmony and daily life. The bill also states that sports betting websites are currently “readily available.”
The bill was put forward by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and is backed by 55 AKP representatives.
While the Justice and Development Party (AKP) lacked a majority in the legislative body, they forged an alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Great Unity Party (BBP) to attain the necessary majority for governance. This pact encompassed backing from a minimum of ten other parliamentarians.
Furthermore, this legislation grants the head of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), rather than the chief prosecutor, the authority to issue blocking directives.
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