Illegal betting is betting on competitions that are not given by the Spor Toto Organization in Turkey. The crime of illegal betting is regulated in Article 228 of the Turkish Penal Code. According to this article, “Any person who plays fixed odds or joint betting or games of chance based on sports competitions is punished with imprisonment from one to three years and a judicial fine of up to three thousand days.”
Elements of the Crime of Illegal Betting
Playing fixed odds or paris bets or games of chance based on sports events: The essential element of the crime is the placing of fixed odds or paris bets or games of chance based on sports events.
Intention: The crime must be committed deliberately.
Victim: The victim of the crime is society.
Qualified Cases of the Crime of Illegal Betting
Played professionally: If the offense was played professionally, the maximum penalty is increased by up to two times.
Repeated play: If the offense has been played repeatedly, the maximum penalty is increased by up to two times.
Playing with a large amount of money: If the offense involves playing with a large amount of money, the upper limit of the penalty is increased by up to two times.
Providing a place and opportunity for people to gamble: If the crime is committed by providing a place and opportunity for people to gamble, the upper limit of the penalty is increased by two times.
Complaint for Illegal Betting
The crime of illegal betting is subject to complaint. However, if the crime is committed against children, it is not subject to complaint.
Statute of Limitations for Illegal Betting Crime
The statute of limitations for illegal betting is eight years.
Prevention of Illegal Betting Crime
In order to prevent the crime of illegal betting, people should not place illegal bets. Additionally, raising awareness about the harms of illegal betting can also help prevent crime.
Examples of Illegal Betting Crime
The crime of illegal betting can be committed in many different ways. For example, placing a bet on a foreign-based betting site over the internet, placing an illegal bet from a kiosk or coffeehouse, causing a person to place an illegal bet, advertising illegal betting or encouraging the placing of illegal betting may be considered a crime of illegal betting.
Harms of Illegal Betting
Loss of money: People who bet illegally are at risk of losing money.
Debt: People who bet illegally may have to go into debt if they lose money.
Financial difficulties: People who bet illegally may experience financial difficulties.
Domestic problems: People who bet illegally may experience domestic problems.
Legal problems: People who bet illegally may experience legal problems.
Illegal betting is also harmful to society. Illegal betting can fund organized crime. Additionally, illegal betting can negatively impact teenagers and children.
