In a recent EuroCup basketball match between Beşiktaş Fibabanka and Cedevita Olimpija, Turkish state broadcaster TRT Spor Yıldız aired advertisements for unlicensed betting platforms, raising concerns about the effectiveness of regulations against illegal gambling promotions.
During the broadcast, viewers observed promotional content for unauthorized betting sites displayed on digital billboards within the arena. This incident occurred shortly after Turkish prosecutors initiated legal proceedings against media executives Acun Ilıcalı and Sadettin Saran for similar offenses.
Ilıcalı, owner of TV8 and the streaming platform Exxen, faces charges for allegedly promoting illegal betting through virtual advertisements during football broadcasts. Saran, associated with S Sport, is accused of similar violations. Both executives could face prison sentences if convicted.
The airing of such advertisements on a state-run channel like TRT Spor Yıldız underscores the challenges in monitoring and regulating content related to illegal gambling. Despite the presence of these ads, there has been no official response or penalty imposed on TRT by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), prompting discussions about potential double standards in enforcement.
This situation highlights the pervasive nature of illegal betting promotions in Turkish media and the need for consistent regulatory measures across all broadcasting platforms.