| Updated: September 26, 2025The majority of Turkey’s population is Muslim, which explains why most forms of gambling are banned. According to the Quran, games of chance are considered a “grave sin,” and Muslims are expected to work hard to earn their living. Although gambling is strictly regulated in Turkey, several forms of gambling, including sports betting, are allowed. However, the only sportsbook authorized to operate on Turkish soil is Turkish Sports Toto, also known as IDDAA.
Turkey is among the countries that have gone to great lengths to restrict access to offshore gambling and sports betting sites. Turkey’s gambling law states that operators, bettors, and financial institutions that violate the law will face penalties. Nevertheless, these strict regulations have not prevented Turks from using the services of offshore casinos and sportsbooks.
Best Sports Betting Sites in Turkey
The Turkish sports betting industry is subject to a monopoly held by state-owned companies. Under Turkish gambling law, unauthorized operators and bettors caught wagering at offshore sportsbooks face hefty penalties. However, some foreign operators do not seem to be deterred by these sanctions and gladly cater to the needs of Turkish bettors.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in Turkey
The online gambling market is highly competitive, and often the only factor that makes a betting site stand out is the promotions it offers. Turkish sports fans who place wagers with offshore bookies can take advantage of a variety of generous bonuses. Keep in mind that different operators impose varying terms and conditions on the promotions they provide.
Match Deposit Bonuses Free Bets Risk-Free Bets Boosted OddsMatch Deposit Bonuses
Sports fans from Turkey can claim a match deposit bonus when they fund their accounts for the first time. Eligible punters will receive a sizable boost on their initial deposit. Keep in mind that match deposit bonuses have a maximum limit. In addition, Turkish bettors must meet the turnover requirement and comply with the minimum odds rule before they can withdraw any profits.
Free Bets
Free bets are among the most sought-after sports betting promotions because they allow punters to place a wager without incurring any risk. If the bet wins, you receive the profit associated with the stake. Note that the free bet amount itself cannot be withdrawn.
Risk-Free Bets
A risk-free bet is a lucrative promotion that gives sports fans peace of mind: if their bet loses, the betting site will refund their stake. The refund is usually credited as free bets that punters can use to wager on various sporting events. Only players whose qualifying bet loses can benefit from this offer.
Boosted Odds
Certain betting platforms boost the odds on specific markets, allowing sports fans to secure a higher payout. To benefit from the enhanced odds bonus, bettors must place a wager on the selected market. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the original odds, the smaller the boost, and vice versa.
Betting Regulation in Turkey
Turks are known for their passion for horse race betting. The country legalized this pastime in 1984. Just six years later, Turkey also regulated land-based casinos. However, in September 1996 the government tightened regulations, permitting casinos to operate for no more than 8 hours a day. In addition, operators were required to pay all winnings by check.
Following the assassination of “casino king” Ömer Lütfü Topal in July 1996, Turkey introduced a law banning all casinos. Despite the ban, which came into force in February 1998, some casinos continued to operate.
Online gambling sites began to appear in the 1990s. As a result, many countries, including Turkey, amended their gambling laws to address internet gambling. In 2007, the Regulation on Online Gaming took effect, prohibiting all forms of remote gambling except those authorized by the state. According to the legislation, only state-owned gambling companies can offer games of chance and sports betting services.
Turkey Clamps Down on Illegal Sports Betting Activities How Sports Betting is Regulated in Turkey? Turkey’s Sports Betting WatchdogTurkey Clamps Down on Illegal Sports Betting Activities
IDDAA was, and still is, the only company authorized to accept sports bets from Turkish punters. However, many avid sports fans became dissatisfied with the limited selection of markets offered by IDDAA and turned to foreign sportsbooks instead. In 2009, it was reported that approximately a quarter of Betsson’s revenue came from Turkish customers.
In 2013, Turkey enacted strict laws to keep residents from wagering at offshore betting sites. The new provisions impose sanctions on bettors who use international sportsbooks, operators that target Turkish residents, and financial institutions that facilitate payments to or from illegal betting sites. Turkish residents who bet at offshore sportsbooks may face fines of up to €200,000, while operators could face prison sentences.
How Sports Betting is Regulated in Turkey?
According to Turkey’s gambling law, sports betting, horse racing betting, and games of chance are illegal unless they are offered by authorized companies. The law does not distinguish between online and offline gambling or sports betting.
However, separate pieces of legislation govern the different gambling activities. Games of chance are regulated by Decree No. 320 regarding the National Lottery Administration. The Law Regarding Soccer and Other Sports Betting governs the sports betting industry, while the horse race betting sector is regulated under the Law Regarding Horse Racing.
The minimum legal age for gambling in Turkey is 18. Authorized operators are not allowed to target underage individuals. Gambling advertising is permitted in Turkey; however, commercials must not portray gambling as an alternative source of income.
The Law Regarding Taxes, Funds and Public Charges Levied Upon Gaming stipulates that punters do not have to pay taxes on their profits. Instead, the tax liability falls on operators, who must pay 5% on sports betting, 7% on horse race betting, and 10% on games of chance. Operators are also subject to a 25% corporate tax and 18% VAT.
Because financial institutions are prohibited from facilitating transactions to and from illegal gambling and sports betting sites, the payment methods available to Turkish sports fans are quite limited.
Turkey’s Sports Betting Watchdog
Turkey has several regulatory authorities responsible for the different forms of gambling. The Ministry of Finance and the National Lottery Administration oversee lotteries, games of chance, and social games. The Ministry of Sports and the Spor Toto Association regulate the sports betting industry, while the Ministry of Agriculture and the Turkish Jockey Club supervise the horse race betting market.
In 2017, the Turkey Wealth Fund was licensed to operate horse race betting and games of chance for 49 years. The Minister of Finance announced that the Council of Ministers planned to privatize these licenses and bundle them into a single package in the first quarter of 2018; however, the Turkish government ultimately abandoned the idea – for now.