Regulatory AuthorityNational Lottery Administration (Milli Piyango), Spor Toto Organisation, Jockey Club of Turkey
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Prohibited
Online Casinos
Prohibited
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Prohibited
Highlights
All forms of private gambling are largely prohibited in Turkey, with strict state monopolies on legal activities.
Only state-controlled entities like Milli Piyango (lottery), IDDAA (sports betting), and the Jockey Club (horse racing) may operate legally.
Land-based and online casinos are banned; online gambling is only legal through state-sanctioned platforms.
Licensing is available exclusively for state-approved betting, lotteries, and horse racing, typically for up to 10 years.
Turkey aggressively blocks illegal gambling sites, with over 230,000 websites shut down in 2024 alone.
Severe penalties apply to illegal operators, including prison terms, heavy fines, and asset seizures.
Anti-money laundering laws and strict financial monitoring apply to all legal gambling operations, with oversight by multiple regulators.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
Turkey maintains a highly restrictive and state-controlled legal framework for gambling. The main legislative instruments governing gambling activities are as follows:
Law No. 7258 on the Regulation of Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports Competitions: This is the central law regulating all betting and games of chance related to sports competitions. It establishes the state's monopoly over sports betting and games of chance, allowing only government-authorized entities to operate in this space.
Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Combating Crimes Committed by Means of Such Publication: This law empowers authorities to block access to illegal online gambling sites and mandates compliance from internet service providers. It is a key tool for combating unauthorized online gambling.
Article 228 of the Turkish Penal Code: This provision criminalizes the provision and facilitation of illegal gambling, both land-based and online. Severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, are imposed for violations.
Law Regarding Roulette, Pinball and Gaming Machines: This law specifically bans certain gaming devices, such as roulette, pinball, slot machines, and similar equipment, reinforcing the prohibition of casino-style gambling.
Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, Article 58: The Constitution mandates the state to take necessary measures to protect youth from gambling and similar harmful habits, providing the constitutional basis for Turkey's restrictive approach.
These laws collectively establish a framework in which nearly all forms of gambling are forbidden except for strictly regulated, state-controlled activities such as the national lottery, sports betting, and horse racing. Any gambling activity outside this framework is considered illegal and subject to criminal prosecution.
Regulatory Authority
Turkey employs a decentralized regulatory structure, with oversight responsibilities divided among several government bodies, each with jurisdiction over specific forms of gambling and related compliance:
National Lottery Administration (Milli Piyango İdaresi, MPI): Supervises and regulates the national lottery and games of chance, including the authority to block illegal gambling websites and report unauthorized activities to law enforcement.
Spor Toto Organization: Oversees state-sanctioned sports betting operations, particularly through the IDDAA platform.
Jockey Club of Turkey: Regulates horse racing and associated betting activities.
Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK): Monitors and controls financial transactions related to gambling, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and blocking financial flows to illegal gambling operators.
Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK): Investigates financial crimes, including those linked to illegal gambling, and coordinates enforcement actions.
Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT): Regulates payment service providers and electronic money institutions, playing a key role in disrupting illegal gambling payment channels.
Ministry of Youth and Sports: Holds regulatory authority over licensing and oversight of sports betting activities.
Each authority operates within its designated scope, ensuring strict state control and enforcement over all legal gambling activities in Turkey.
License Types
Overview of the Gambling Licensing System in Turkey
Turkey maintains one of the strictest gambling regulatory regimes in Europe. All forms of gambling are either prohibited or strictly controlled by the state. Only certain state-sanctioned activities—namely, the national lottery, sports betting, and horse racing—are permitted, and these are operated under a state monopoly. Private or commercial operators cannot obtain licenses for casinos, online casinos, poker, or most other gambling activities.
Types of Gambling Licenses Available
Sports Betting License: Only the state-controlled IDDAA (administered by the Spor Toto Organization) is authorized to offer sports betting, both online and offline. No private licenses are available for sports betting.
Lottery License: The Turkish National Lottery Administration (Milli Piyango İdaresi) holds the exclusive right to organize lottery games, including instant-win and draw-based games. Private operators cannot obtain a lottery license; all such activities are under state control.
Horse Racing Betting License: The Jockey Club of Turkey (Türkiye Jokey Kulübü) is the sole entity permitted to organize and operate betting on horse races. No private licenses are issued for this activity.
Application Process and Eligibility
Licenses for the above activities are not open to general application by private or foreign operators. Instead, the state may periodically issue tenders or enter into public-private partnerships for the management or technical operation of these services, but ownership and ultimate control remain with the state.
Eligibility to participate in such tenders is strictly defined by the relevant authority (Spor Toto Organization, Milli Piyango İdaresi, or Jockey Club of Turkey). Requirements may include financial stability, technical capacity, and a clean legal record.
For rare public tenders (such as management contracts for the national lottery), the process involves a formal bidding procedure, submission of detailed proposals, and satisfaction of rigorous due diligence checks.
Duration and Renewal Conditions
Where management contracts or operational partnerships are awarded, the term is typically set by the relevant authority and can be up to ten years for betting activities.
Renewal is at the discretion of the state authority and is subject to continued compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.
There is no automatic renewal; operators must demonstrate ongoing compliance and may be required to re-tender at the end of the contract period.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
There is no published fee schedule for standard gambling licenses because private licensing is not available. For public tenders or management contracts, financial requirements (such as minimum capital, bank guarantees, and revenue-sharing arrangements) are set out in the specific tender documents.
Operators may be required to provide significant financial guarantees, demonstrate robust financial health, and agree to revenue-sharing models as defined by the state authority.
Costs and fees are determined on a case-by-case basis during the tender process and are not standardized or publicly available.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Only state-controlled entities or their designated contractors (following a public tender) may hold a license or management contract for legal gambling activities.
Strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, data protection laws, and all operational requirements is mandatory.
Operators must ensure transparency, submit to regular audits, and maintain robust reporting and player protection measures as stipulated by the relevant authority.
Non-compliance can result in immediate termination of the contract, administrative fines, and criminal prosecution.
Summary Table: Gambling License Types in Turkey
Gambling Activity
License Type
Who Can Obtain
Duration
Application Process
Costs/Fees
Sports Betting
State Monopoly (IDDAA)
Only Spor Toto/IDDAA or its contractors (via tender)
Up to 10 years (for management contracts)
By public tender only; not open to general application
Set by tender; significant financial guarantees required
Lottery
State Monopoly (Milli Piyango)
Only Milli Piyango or its contractors (via tender)
Defined by contract
By public tender only
Set by tender; not publicly disclosed
Horse Racing Betting
State Monopoly (Jockey Club)
Only Jockey Club of Turkey
Defined by law
No open application
Not applicable
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Turkey
Turkey maintains a state monopoly over all legal gambling activities, including the national lottery (Milli Piyango), sports betting (IDDAA), and horse racing (Türkiye Jokey Kulübü). Private and international operators can only participate through government-approved partnerships or tenders. The taxation system for these operators is as follows:
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Tax Base
Sports Betting (IDDAA)
5% Fund Share
7% VAT
20% Corporate Income Tax
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Turnover
Net Profit
National Lottery (Milli Piyango)
10% Fund Share
7% VAT
20% Corporate Income Tax
Gross Ticket Sales
Turnover
Net Profit
Horse Racing
7% Fund Share
7% VAT
20% Corporate Income Tax
Gross Betting Sales
Turnover
Net Profit
Fund Share: A fixed percentage of gross sales or GGR is allocated to relevant state funds (such as the Youth and Sports Fund or similar).
VAT: Value Added Tax is applied to ticket or bet sales at a rate of 7% for gambling activities.
Corporate Income Tax: Standard corporate tax rate of 20% applies to net profits of the operator.
Basis for Taxation
Sports betting and horse racing are generally taxed on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) and turnover, with additional taxes on net profits.
Lottery operations are taxed on gross ticket sales and net profits.
Tax Reporting and Payment Procedures
Operators must calculate and withhold taxes at the source before distributing winnings or profits.
Fund share and VAT must be declared and paid monthly to the relevant authorities (e.g., Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Treasury and Finance).
Corporate income tax is declared and paid annually, in line with general corporate tax procedures.
Operators are required to submit detailed financial reports, including turnover, GGR, and all tax calculations, to regulatory bodies and tax authorities.
Strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and financial reporting standards is mandatory, including regular audits and transaction monitoring.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
No notable tax incentives or exemptions exist for gambling operators; the system is designed to maximize state revenue and maintain strict control.
All taxes are mandatory and strictly enforced; non-compliance leads to significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges.
Winnings above a certain threshold from state-sanctioned games are subject to a 15% withholding tax, deducted at source before payout to players.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participation in all forms of gambling in Turkey is 18 years.
Operators of legal gambling activities are required to verify the age and identity of all players to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Providing gambling opportunities to minors is subject to aggravated penalties, including increased fines and imprisonment for operators who allow minors to participate.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of private, land-based casinos are strictly prohibited. Casinos have been banned since 1998 and no private or commercial casino operations are permitted.
Online casino games, poker, and all forms of private online gambling are banned. Only state-authorized online sports betting, lottery, and horse race betting platforms are permitted.
Games of fortune (including those played against a bank or on gaming machines) are forbidden except as expressly authorized by the state.
Roulette, pinball, slot machines, and similar gaming devices are explicitly banned, both in physical venues and online.
Unlicensed lotteries, raffles, and draws are prohibited. Organizing such activities without permission from the National Lottery Administration is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Skill games and card games with monetary stakes are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the state.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and promotion of illegal gambling, betting, or gaming activities are strictly prohibited across all media, including television, radio, print, and online platforms.
Only state-authorized gambling operators may advertise, and such advertising must comply with strict content guidelines to avoid misleading or encouraging excessive gambling.
Endorsement or promotion of illegal gambling by celebrities, social media influencers, or other public figures is subject to criminal prosecution and administrative penalties.
Advertisements must not target minors or vulnerable groups, and must not portray gambling as a means to financial success or social achievement.
Violations of advertising restrictions can result in substantial fines, criminal charges, and the blocking of online content.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators of legal gambling activities are required to implement measures to prevent underage and problem gambling, including robust age verification and identity checks.
Mandatory compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and data protection regulations, including reporting of suspicious activities and safeguarding of player data.
The National Lottery Administration conducts nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks of illegal gambling and the dangers of addiction.
Operators must provide clear information about the risks of gambling and channels for seeking help with problem gambling.
Financial institutions and payment service providers are required to block transactions related to illegal gambling activities to protect consumers from unlicensed operators.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
All forms of physical gambling venues, except for state-authorized betting shops and lottery outlets, are prohibited throughout Turkey.
Online gambling is only permitted through state-authorized platforms. Access to unauthorized gambling websites is routinely blocked by the authorities.
Organizing or facilitating gambling activities in any unauthorized location, whether physical or digital, is a criminal offense and subject to severe penalties.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1984
Legalisation of Horse Race Betting — Horse race betting was officially legalised, providing a regulated platform for gambling activities in Turkey. This legislation was an effort to control betting and curb illegal betting activities.
1996
Government imposes restrictions on casino operations following concerns over crime and money laundering.
1998
All land-based casinos are banned, making casino gambling illegal throughout the country.
2004
Law No. 5101 introduces strict controls on online gambling and authorizes the blocking of illegal gambling websites.
2007
Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Combating Crimes Committed by Means of Such Publication is enacted, providing a framework for blocking access to illegal online gambling platforms.
2007
Law No. 7258 on Wagering and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports Competitions is adopted, establishing state monopoly over sports betting and authorizing only state-licensed operators.
2017
The Privatisation Act authorizes the Turkey Wealth Fund to manage and operate games of chance and horse race betting, consolidating state control over the gambling sector.
2019
The Sisal-Şans Joint Venture Group is granted a 10-year licence to operate games of chance and horse race betting under the National Lottery and Games of Chance Privatisation Act.
2023
The Anti-Illegal Gambling Act is enacted, intensifying enforcement against unlicensed online gambling, expanding powers to block websites, and prohibiting banks from processing gambling-related transactions.
2024
State monopoly on gambling is reaffirmed; over 230,000 illegal gambling websites are blocked, and enforcement actions against unauthorized operators are intensified.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling software and systems used by licensed operators must comply with technical standards set by the relevant Turkish authorities, ensuring integrity, fairness, and security of games.
Operators are required to implement certified random number generators (RNG) and game logic, subject to independent verification and approval by authorized testing laboratories.
System architecture must facilitate real-time monitoring and auditing by regulatory bodies, allowing authorities to access transaction logs and system activities on demand.
Software updates and changes must be documented and reported to the regulator, with critical changes requiring pre-approval before deployment in the live environment.
Technical infrastructure must ensure high availability, data redundancy, and robust disaster recovery mechanisms to minimize operational disruptions.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must comply with the Turkish Data Protection Law, requiring robust data security protocols to protect personal and financial information of players.
Personal data processing must be limited to the purposes explicitly permitted by law and disclosed to users in a transparent manner.
Data localisation is effectively required: all player data and operational records must be stored on servers physically located within Turkey, unless explicit consent and adequate safeguards are established for cross-border transfers.
Operators must implement encryption for data at rest and in transit, as well as access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Comprehensive logs of all data access and processing activities must be maintained for regulatory inspection.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators are subject to stringent AML regulations enforced by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and must implement robust policies to detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
KYC procedures are mandatory: operators must verify the identity of all customers before allowing participation, requiring official identification documents and, where applicable, proof of address.
Operators must monitor transactions for suspicious activity, including large or unusual deposits, rapid movement of funds, and use of high-risk payment methods.
Suspicious transactions must be reported to the relevant authorities without delay, and cooperation with regulatory investigations is obligatory.
Employee training on AML and KYC obligations is required, with regular updates to reflect evolving risks and regulatory expectations.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
Operators must maintain detailed records of all transactions, including bets, payouts, deposits, withdrawals, and account adjustments, in a format accessible for regulatory review.
Financial statements and operational data must be prepared in accordance with Turkish accounting standards and submitted to the regulator at prescribed intervals.
Independent external audits are mandatory, covering both financial accounts and compliance with technical and operational regulations.
Records must be retained for a minimum period specified by law (typically at least five years), ensuring availability for retrospective audits and investigations.
Operators must implement secure, tamper-proof systems for record storage, with backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators are required to integrate responsible gambling features within their platforms, including self-exclusion options, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks.
Systems must allow players to set and modify personal limits on betting activity, with immediate effect and clear communication of changes.
Self-exclusion requests must be processed promptly, with technical measures to prevent excluded individuals from accessing gambling services.
Responsible gambling tools must be easily accessible and prominently displayed on all digital interfaces.
Operators must provide automated alerts and intervention mechanisms when risky or problematic gambling behavior is detected, as defined by regulatory guidelines.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
