Guide to Sports Betting in Turkey

Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling in Turkey, but it is also strictly regulated by the government. Only a few state-owned platforms are legal, while most online sportsbooks are banned and blocked. However, many Turkish bettors still find ways to access foreign betting sites that offer better odds, markets and features. In this guide, we will give you some tips on how to bet safely and legally in Turkey in 2023.

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Turkey

According to the ‘Law Regarding Football and Other Sports Betting’, the only legal sports betting operator in Turkey is the Spor Toto Organization, which is controlled by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Spor Toto offers a lottery-style sports betting system, where bettors can choose from a limited number of pre-selected matches and outcomes. The odds are fixed and the payouts depend on the number of correct predictions and the total pool size.

Spor Toto also operates a horse racing platform called TJK, which is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture. TJK offers pari-mutuel betting on domestic and international horse races, as well as some virtual races. TJK has a network of land-based outlets, as well as an online platform and a mobile app.

The third legal gambling option in Turkey is the national lottery, called Milli Piyango, which is run by the Ministry of Finance. Milli Piyango offers various games of chance, such as scratch cards, instant win games, number draws and raffles. Milli Piyango also has physical outlets and an online platform.

All other forms of gambling, including online casino games, poker, bingo and live sports betting, are illegal in Turkey. The government has taken measures to block access to foreign gambling sites, such as using IP filters, DNS blocking and payment blocking. The authorities also monitor internet traffic and prosecute illegal operators and players. The penalties for illegal gambling can range from fines to imprisonment.

Best Foreign Betting Sites for Turkish Bettors

Despite the legal restrictions and risks, many Turkish bettors still prefer to use foreign betting sites that offer more variety, quality and value than the state-owned platforms. These sites are usually licensed and regulated by reputable jurisdictions, such as Malta, Curacao or Gibraltar. They also accept Turkish players and offer them convenient payment methods, such as e-wallets, cryptocurrencies or prepaid cards.

However, not all foreign betting sites are safe and reliable for Turkish bettors. Some may have poor customer service, slow payouts or unfair terms and conditions. Therefore, it is important to do some research before choosing a betting site. Here are some criteria to look for:

• Reputation: Check the reviews and ratings of other players and experts on trusted websites or forums. Avoid sites that have a lot of complaints or unresolved issues.

• Security: Make sure the site uses encryption technology to protect your personal and financial data. Look for seals of approval from independent auditors or testing agencies.

• Bonuses: Compare the offers and promotions that different sites provide for new and existing customers. Look for generous bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements and clear terms and conditions.

• Markets: Choose a site that covers a wide range of sports and events that you are interested in. Look for competitive odds and diverse betting options.

• Features: Look for additional features that enhance your betting experience, such as live streaming, cash out, live betting, bet builder or loyalty program.

• Support: Choose a site that has a responsive and helpful customer support team that can assist you in case of any problems or questions. Prefer sites that offer multiple contact channels, such as live chat, phone or email.

Based on these criteria, here are some of the best foreign betting sites for Turkish bettors in 2023:

• 22bet: This site offers a huge selection of sports and markets, with over 1000 events daily. It also has a generous welcome bonus of 100% up to €122 for new customers. It accepts various payment methods, including ecoPayz, Web Money, Jeton and Paysafecard.

• 1xbet: This site is known for its high odds and diverse betting options, including live betting, virtual sports, esports and casino games. It also has a lucrative welcome bonus of 100% up to €130 for new customers. It supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies and prepaid cards.

• Betebet: This site is a newcomer in the betting industry, but it has already gained popularity among Turkish bettors. It offers a wide range of sports and markets, as well as live betting, casino games and poker. It also has a generous welcome bonus of 100% up to 500 TL for new customers. It accepts various payment methods, including FastPay, Web Money and Jeton.

Conclusion

Sports betting in Turkey is a regulated and limited activity, but it is also a popular and exciting one. Turkish bettors can choose from a few legal state-owned platforms, or take the risk and use foreign betting sites that offer more advantages. However, they should always be careful and responsible when gambling online, and follow some tips to find the best and safest betting sites for their needs.

FAQ

• Is sports betting legal in Turkey?
• Sports betting is legal in Turkey, but only through the state-owned Spor Toto Organization, which offers a lottery-style sports betting system. All other forms of sports betting, especially online, are illegal and punishable by law.

• How can I access foreign betting sites in Turkey?
• Foreign betting sites are blocked and banned in Turkey, but some bettors use various methods to bypass the restrictions, such as VPNs, proxy servers or alternative domains. However, these methods are not foolproof and may expose you to legal risks or cyberattacks.

• What are the best payment methods for Turkish bettors?
• The best payment methods for Turkish bettors are those that are fast, secure and anonymous, such as e-wallets, cryptocurrencies or prepaid cards. These methods allow you to deposit and withdraw money without revealing your identity or bank details. However, you should always check the availability and fees of each payment method before using it.