In February 2026, the Turkish banking system faced significant changes aimed at tightening control over the movement of funds, reducing the debt burden of the population, and combating the shadow gambling sector.
Since February 8, 2026, the leading state banks of Turkey — Ziraat Bankası, VakıfBank, and Halkbank — have completely stopped transfers to bookmaker and lottery platform accounts.
What changed:
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Service removal: The “Gambling” section (Şans Oyunları) was completely removed fr om mobile applications, internet banking, and ATM menus.
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Automatic blocking: Attempts to transfer funds to legal and illegal gaming services are rejected at the transaction formation stage.
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Administrative coverage: The restrictions affected millions of clients of state banks, highlighting the authorities' desire to reduce financial risks for the population.
These measures are implemented within the framework of the “Action Plan for Combating Illegal Betting and Gambling in 2025–2026”, which was announced by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after a Cabinet meeting.
Impact on credit rating (Findeks)
According to banking sources:
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Systematic participation in gambling is now considered a risk factor for borrowers.
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Clients actively using transfers to gaming platforms may face a reduction in their national credit rating, Findeks.
Consequences:
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Refusal to issue new loans.
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Increased interest rates on current products.
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Limitation of credit card limits.
These measures aim to prevent fraudulent IBAN operations and reduce the use of credit funds for gambling.
Reduction of credit card limits
Urgent measures:
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By February 15, 2026, holders of cards with limits over 400,000 lira will face a forced reduction of available credit leverage by 50–80%.
Long-term strategy:
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By 2027, the limits of all credit cards will be tied to the official income of the client: a maximum of 2–4 monthly salaries.
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To increase the limit, documented proof of income will be required.
Reasons:
Additional facts:
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Private banks in Turkey still allow transfers to gaming sites but charge a commission of about 15.75 lira.
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State banks have completely blocked transfers, reflecting the authorities’ radical course to reduce consumer debt and combat the shadow sector.
For foreign citizens and residents of Turkey, the new restrictions mean the need for transparent financial management, income verification, and asset documentation.
Gambling as a systemic threat to family welfare
For families wh ere one spouse suffers fr om addiction, the situation is often complicated by hidden credit card debts. Considering that card limits in Turkey could reach hundreds of thousands of lira without proof of actual income, many families found themselves in a debt trap before the problem became obvious.
How to protect assets before marriage
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Marriage contract (Mal Rejimi Sözleşmesi): Before registering a marriage (or during marriage), a notary can arrange a separate property agreement (mal ayrılığı). In this case, each spouse owns their property and — critically — is responsible for their own debts.
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Credit history check (Findeks Report): You have the right to request that your future spouse provide a Findeks report. In 2026, this report reflects not only current loans but also “suspicious activity” related to gaming platforms.
Protection from spouse's debts during marriage
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Personal debts: According to the Turkish Civil Code, a spouse is responsible for their personal debts (including gambling losses) with their personal property. However, creditors often try to seize joint property or accounts. Having a separate property agreement blocks these claims.
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Limiting capacity: In court, it is possible to lim it the dependent spouse’s right to dispose of family assets or real estate (placing an Aile Konutu annotation on housing to prevent it from being pledged or sold without your consent).
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Reduction of limits: New BDDK rules (February 2026) automatically reduce card limits over 400,000 lira by 50–80%, serving as an indirect protection for the family.
How not to inherit debts after a spouse’s death
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In Turkey, debts are part of the inheritance. If a gambling spouse dies leaving debts, heirs (wife and children) are responsible for repayment.
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To avoid this, there is a procedure called Redd-i Miras (Renunciation of Inheritance):
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Deadlines: The renunciation statement must be filed in the Civil Court of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi) within 3 months from learning of the spouse’s death.
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Complete renunciation: You cannot reject only debts while keeping property; renunciation applies to the entire estate.
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Automatic renunciation: If the deceased’s assets clearly do not cover debts (bankruptcy), the inheritance may be considered automatically renounced, but lawyers strongly recommend a formal court ruling.
The 2026 financial reform in Turkey is a signal for all residents to take a responsible approach to banking tools. For foreign spouses, the best protection strategy remains arranging separate property ownership (mal ayrılığı) and vigilant control over credit limits within the family.