In Turkey, sports betting is regulated exclusively by state-authorized bodies. Private or unlicensed operators are prohibited from offering sports wagering services. The legal framework delegates exclusive rights to the Spor Toto Teşkilat Başkanlığı and the Milli Piyango İdaresi to organize, supervise, and conduct betting on sporting events (1).
The core statute governing sports betting is Law No. 7258, which establishes the Spor Toto Teşkilat Başkanlığı under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Detailed operational rules, including licensing, betting formats, and revenue distribution, are set forth in the “Spor Müsabakalarına Dayalı Sabit İhtimalli ve Müşterek Bahis Oyunları Uygulama Yönetmeliği” (2).
"Spor müsabakalarına dayalı sabit ihtimalli ve müşterek bahis veya şans oyunlarını oynatanlar ya da oynanmasına yer veya imkân sağlayanlar üç yıldan beş yıla kadar hapis ve on bin güne kadar adli para cezasıyla cezalandırılır."
Unauthorized sports betting activities attract criminal penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Administrative sanctions for individuals placing unlicensed bets range from 5,000 ₺ to 20,000 ₺, imposed by the local governor’s office (1, 2). Turkish authorities actively monitor and prosecute illegal online platforms to uphold the statutory monopoly.
Source:
https://www.lexpera.com.tr/mevzuat/kanunlar/futbol-musabakalarinda-musterek-bahisler-tertibi-hakkinda-kanun-7258
https://www.lexpera.com.tr/resmi-gazete/metin/spor-musabakalarina-dayali-sabit-ihtimalli-ve-musterek-bahis-oyunlari-uygulama-yonetmeliginde
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
