The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) is expanding its international efforts to combat the illegal gambling market by launching a joint initiative with the Turkish authorities.
According to the GSC, the Commission is supporting Turkish regulators by notifying operators of restrictions that apply to foreign companies seeking access to the Turkish market. This process helps the authorities enforce market access requirements more effectively.
According to the latest report by Turkey’s General Directorate of the National Lottery Administration (MPi), Turkish authorities have blocked more than 5,000 websites registered in the Isle of Man that were targeting local players.
In total, 84,585 websites from 70 countries were blocked, with more than half of them registered in the United States.
The GSC said that its cooperation with Turkey forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen international regulatory cooperation and combat illegal gambling.
The Commission’s official website also notes that the GSC has previously worked with the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden.
The GSC said in a statement: “This cooperation demonstrates the GSC’s willingness to assist counterparts in other jurisdictions in addressing illegal gambling activity and to protect the integrity and reputation of the Isle of Man’s framework.
“The GSC also works to take action and ensure the timely removal of sites illegally purporting to hold a GSC licence which may appear to be based in or operate through the Isle of Man through IP routing.”
International cooperation continues to be one of the most effective tools in combating the illegal gambling market. According to the MPi report, many unlicensed operators continue to target foreign markets while operating from offshore jurisdictions.
One of the most widely used enforcement measures is the blocking of internet service providers (ISPs) and IP addresses. A similar approach was recently adopted by France’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ), which restricted access to prediction market platforms.
To strengthen its enforcement capabilities, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has established a dedicated Intelligence and Enforcement Division. The new unit is expected to improve the identification and suppression of illegal gambling activities.
Blocking traffic sources, including ISPs and IP addresses, is often regarded as an intermediate enforcement step before taking more complex action against payment processors that facilitate financial transactions for illegal gambling operators.
Turkey has also adopted a strict approach toward the fintech sector and remains prepared to take decisive action against companies involved in supporting illegal gambling operations.
Turkey steps up efforts against the illegal gambling market
Cooperation with the Isle of Man forms part of a broader strategy by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to deliver on commitments made during his most recent election campaign.
Turkey’s crackdown on illegal gambling has also included tighter oversight of the digital economy. Authorities have intensified scrutiny of fintech companies and social media accounts used to promote illegal gambling platforms, resulting in the blocking of 2,105 social media accounts.
The nationwide campaign against illegal gambling began in October 2025, when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) introduced a comprehensive action plan aimed at eliminating illegal gambling. The initiative is intended to fulfill President Erdoğan’s election pledges on tackling the black market.
As part of the campaign, Turkey’s Financial Investigation Board (MASAK) has been granted expanded powers to monitor financial transactions and detect schemes involving e-money transfers, mule accounts, and other fraudulent mechanisms used to support illegal gambling operators.
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