Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
Online casino gambling is strictly regulated and largely forbidden in Turkey. The primary law governing gambling activities is the 2006 Betting and Games of Chance Regulation, which enforces strict penalties for illegal gambling.
The Ministry of Finance oversees the taxation and financial regulations of legal gambling operations. Meanwhile, the BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) actively blocks access to offshore and illegal gambling sites.
Ministry of Finance
- Oversees taxation of legal gambling activities, including state-run İddaa and Milli Piyango.
- Imposes financial penalties on illegal gambling sites and players.
- Enforces anti-money laundering regulations.
- Regulates financial transactions associated with gambling.
- Collaborates with MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) to penalize financial crimes.
- Allocates the revenues generated from legal gambling activities to the state budget.
- Works with the Ministry of Justice to implement legal frameworks.
- Sets gambling laws to strengthen enforcement against illegal activities.
Under Turkish law, only state-run platforms like İddaa (for sports betting) and Milli Piyango (for lotteries) are permitted. Both offer their services online and through land-based kiosks.
Gambling in Turkey
Only state-run platforms are allowed to operate in Turkey. İddaa, the official sports betting platform, is managed by the Spor Toto Organization and offers betting on various sports.
Meanwhile, Milli Piyango is managed by the National Lottery Administration and is Turkey’s only legal provider of draw-based lotteries and instant scratch cards.
Quick Factsheet
- Land-based casinos have been banned since 1998.
- Only legal gambling: state lotteries and sports betting.
- Online casinos are strictly illegal.
- İddaa is the only legal sports betting platform.
- Milli Piyango offers state-run lottery services.
- Strict penalties for illegal gambling operations.
- Offshore gambling platforms blocked by BTK.
- High fines and prison sentences for violators.
- State gambling revenue contributes to public finances.
The government heavily regulates both platforms to ensure compliance. All other forms of gambling, including online casinos, poker, and slot machines, are strictly prohibited.
Gambling History and Future
Gambling in Turkey has a long and complex history. Traditional games of chance have been played for centuries, and by the 1990s, the country had over 70 land-based casinos operating legally.
Yet, growing concerns over crime, money laundering, and gambling addiction led to a nationwide ban on land-based casinos in 1998. Since then, only state-run platforms have been allowed.
Turkish Flag
- 1983 – Milli Piyango, the national lottery, was established as a legal gambling option.
- 1996 – Turkey’s gambling industry peaked, with over 70 land-based casinos operating.
- 1998 – The government banned all land-based casinos due to concerns about crime.
- 2006 – The Regulation on Betting and Games of Chance passed, focusing on illegal gambling.
- 2008 – İddaa became the only legal sports betting platform in Turkey.
- 2013 – The BTK began blocking illegal gambling websites.
- 2018 – İddaa was privatized but continues to operate under strict government control.
Despite strict regulations, the demand for gambling persists. While no major changes to the legal framework are expected, I think the growing global trend of online gambling may drive Turkey to reconsider its stance.
Conclusion
It’s clear that gambling in Turkey is tightly controlled. Land-based and online casinos are banned, and the only legal options are İddaa for sports betting and Milli Piyango for lotteries.
Offshore sites might seem like a tempting alternative, but trust me, risking fines and even jail time isn’t worth it. So, stick to what’s legal, and if you ever have doubts, refer to this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve addressed common questions about gambling regulations in Turkey. If you have any additional queries, feel free to reach out.
Is online gambling in Turkey legal?
Online gambling in Turkey is largely illegal, but there are exceptions. The only legal options are state-run sites such as İddaa (for sports betting) and Milli Piyango (for lotteries). Accessing offshore sites is also prohibited and punishable by law.
What is the legal gambling age in Turkey?
The legal gambling age in Turkey is 18. This applies to all state-run platforms, including İddaa for sports betting and Milli Piyango for lottery games. Minors are prohibited from participating in any form of gambling.
Is sports gambling allowed in Turkey?
Sports gambling is legal in Turkey but only through the state-controlled İddaa. You can place bets both online and at authorized betting kiosks. All other forms of wagering, including those offered by offshore sportsbooks, are illegal and punishable by law.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova