In a major step toward regulating online gambling, Turkey’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance announced the closure of 233,000 illegal gambling websites in 2024, a 38% increase from the previous year. The action is part of a larger crackdown on live studio and live dealer operations that operate without proper licenses, aiming to curb roulette low-cost live studio gaming and other illicit activities in the region. The websites, many of which were linked to unlicensed casino studio online platforms, were found to be operating without oversight, thus evading government regulation and taxes. A significant percentage of the blocked sites (56%) originated from the United States, with others coming from Armenia and the Netherlands. These Evolution games websites are often disguised as legitimate gaming platforms, luring players with attractive bonuses and unregulated offerings. The Turkish government has not only targeted illegal gambling websites but has also extended its efforts to tackle unauthorised physical and virtual draws. In total, 286 cases were reported to prosecutors in 2024, as part of a broader initiative to eliminate unlicensed gambling activities. As part of the legal response, Turkey has implemented stringent penalties for those running illegal casinos for sale or conducting unapproved lottery operations, with sentences ranging from 3 to 6 years in prison for offenders. In addition to online platforms, criminal and administrative actions were also taken against illegal live dealer offerings that have been operating outside the bounds of Turkish law. With this expansion of enforcement, the government aims to reduce the presence of unregulated gambling, which contributes to tax evasion and victimization of citizens. Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasized the government’s commitment to combatting financial crimes, stating, “We are determined to prevent unregistered economic activities and financial crimes that cause tax loss and victimisation of our citizens.” Turkey’s actions reflect a growing trend across the region, where neighbouring countries like Bulgaria have also ramped up efforts to shut down illegal gambling websites, underscoring a regional shift toward tighter regulation of online and physical gambling activities.