Operation Launched Against Skin Gambling Sites and Streamers from Turkey

A major operation has been carried out against influencers streaming through overseas skin gambling sites, resulting in the detention of 11 individuals. This network, targeting children and teenagers under the guise of “gaming,” had been operating openly for years.

What Is Skin Gambling?

Skin gambling is a system where in-game cosmetic items—like weapon skins, character outfits, or accessories—are bought and traded for real money and then used for betting. Though these “skins” don’t affect game performance, they hold value and are especially appealing to young audiences.

The process works like this:

• Users purchase skins in-game or via third-party sites.
• These skins are transferred to external gambling platforms.
• Players place bets—on roulette, dice rolls, or “case openings”—using skins.
• Winners receive higher-value skins; losers lose theirs.
• Skins are then sold on digital marketplaces or cashed out in cryptocurrency.

While it may appear different from traditional gambling, the psychological and financial risks are the same. Moreover, age restrictions are often overlooked, making youth especially vulnerable.

Global Examples

The most notable case involved Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in 2016, when U.S. broadcasters like TmarTn and Syndicate promoted CSGOLotto—a betting site where they secretly held vested interests and manipulated outcomes. Game developer Valve later took countermeasures against third-party skin gambling platforms, but they persisted with new domains.

Target Operation: Keydrop and Influencers

Turkey’s investigation centered around the overseas site Keydrop, known for its case openings and roulette mechanics. Crucially, the site was promoted by local influencers popular among youth. Journalism by İbrahim Haskoloğlu highlighted how children and teens were being funneled into gambling, prompting prosecutors to block access to Keydrop and launch the “Virtual Case” operation against promotors.

11 individuals have been detained, including:

• Kemal Can Parlak (Kendine Müzisyen): A prominent Turkish streamer.
• Ferit Karakaya (wtcN): Notable gaming content creator.
• Tolunay Ören: Streamer and content producer.
• Necati Akçay: Social media influencer.

Investigators are reviewing contractual ties, promotional content, referral links, and income flows—much of which appear to traverse crypto wallets and untraceable payment systems.

Public Reaction and Emerging Digital Gambling

Parents and experts have reacted strongly. Thousands of online comments have criticized easy youth access and influencer-driven gambling. Experts warn that skin gambling may be even more dangerous than conventional gambling because:

• Bypassed age limits: These platforms disguise themselves as “game sites,” enabling easy access for minors.
• Game-like visuals: Colorful, whimsical interfaces blur the line between gaming and betting.
• Untraceable transactions: Skins may not seem monetary, yet they hold real value and can be exchanged in crypto or digital markets.

A 2022 Journal of Gambling Studies paper found around 60% of skin gambling users were under 18, and many displayed classic gambling behaviors. The study noted that embedded gambling in games is especially hard to regulate.

Legal Context in Turkey

Turkey’s Law No. 7258 on sports betting and gaming criminalizes illegal gambling. But skin gambling often skirts clear definition—since it involves items rather than direct money, it can slip through legal loopholes.

Is This the Start?

Although the Keydrop operation is significant, experts believe it’s just the beginning. These platforms can evade enforcement by switching domains or using VPNs. Authorities must not only target content creators but also the digital infrastructure—platforms, payment services, and ad networks—that enable skin gambling.

Reforms should include stricter oversight of influencer content and stronger age restrictions, especially where young audiences are concerned.