Gambling is a leisure activity enjoyed by a large portion of the world’s population. This form of entertainment has existed for centuries. The earliest evidence of gambling dates back to 200 BC.
After the internet was launched, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to transform real-life gambling into a virtual experience. Online gambling has grown rapidly since the first online casino launched in the mid-1990s.
Turkey’s approach to online gambling, however, is uncompromising. Turkey has completely banned all forms of online gambling. The only exception is the state-owned sports betting company, IDDAA.
Gambling in Turkey
Turkey has had a complicated relationship with gambling over the years. The country that once was home to a thriving casino industry has now banned all forms of gambling. That is, with the small exception of a few state-controlled enterprises.
In Turkey, horse betting was first legalized in 1984. Casinos were legalized in 1990. Between 1990 and 1996, the illegal activities of two famous casino owners began to surface, including numerous claims of money laundering. In 1996 one of them was assassinated.
Not long after the assassination of one of Turkey’s most renowned casino owners, widely known as the “Casino King,” a law banning all casinos was unexpectedly announced. This was partly because of the accusations of money laundering.
Rumor has it the government wanted a tighter grip on the gambling community to keep the profits for itself. Logically, it would make more sense to allow casinos to operate and simply regulate them to generate state revenue. Nonetheless, the law came into force in 1998. Ever since then, gambling in Turkey has been strictly controlled by the state.
Legal Gambling Activities in Turkey
Despite the ban on online gambling that came into force (with limited success) in 2006, there are still options to place bets online, as well as at land-based betting facilities.
- Sports Bets – placed through the state-owned IDDAA, people can wager on various sports online.
- Horse Racing – bets can be placed at major horse tracks.
- Milli Piyango – the country’s national lottery, which turns over $1.5 billion a year.
That is it for Turkey’s legal gambling options. The Turkish government remains firmly against any casino-related gambling.
Online Gambling in Turkey
As mentioned earlier, online gambling in Turkey is strictly prohibited. However, that does not mean Turkish citizens don’t play at online casinos. In fact, in 2009, it was estimated that a quarter of Betsson’s revenues came from Turkish players.
The Turkish government is working harder and harder to banish online gambling from the country. They have taken a rather controversial approach to the matter. Players caught gambling online illegally can face fines ranging from $50,000 to $275,000, some of the harshest punishments in the world for illegal gambling.
Since 2013, the Turkish Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency has taken on a new role: policing banks and credit card companies that process payments on behalf of players and online casinos. Not only can individuals receive huge fines, but casino agents and complicit bankers may also face prison sentences for facilitating the practice.
Some critics even suggest that the state is cracking down on online casinos in order to privatize the lottery. Because the lottery is one of the few legal forms of gambling in the country, it generates significant revenue.
Fortunately for Turkish players, several online casinos still accept registrations from Turkish IP addresses. While sanctions against national banks might be effective, they have not stopped online payment portals like ecoPayz and AstroPay operating freely across Turkey.
Gambling Legislation in Turkey
In Turkish law, gambling and games of chance are divided into two categories:
- Gambling – the criminal code defines gambling as games played for gain in which profit or loss depends on chance.
- Games of Chance – the Regulation on Licensing and Supervising Games of Chance defines these as games played for a cash prize. The law lists three categories of games of chance – Lottery, Numeric Games, and Instant-win Games (scratch cards).
The only other two legal forms of betting are sports betting and horse race betting. There are also two regulated games, lotteries and raffles, that may be played for non-cash prizes. Charity fund-raising raffles are permitted, as are promotional raffles.
Turkish legislation provides no stand-alone definition for online gambling, nor for land-based gambling. Gambling as a whole is prohibited, whether land-based or online.
Regulatory and Governmental Bodies that Supervise Games of Chance
At the beginning of 2017, the Turkey Wealth Fund was granted licenses by the Council of Ministers to operate games of chance and horse race betting. These licenses have been issued with a period of 49 years.
- Lotteries, games of chance, and social games are regulated by the Ministry of Finance and the National Lottery Administration.
- Horse race betting is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Turkish Jockey Club.
- Sports betting is regulated by the Ministry of Sports and the Sport Toto Association.
Turkish-Friendly Payment Methods
As mentioned above, the Turkish state maintains strict supervision over banks and payments made to gambling accounts. Not only can a person caught participating in illegal gambling receive hefty fines, but bankers who facilitate the practice can also be imprisoned.
Thankfully, the internet offers alternatives. Thanks to advances in online payment methods, Turkish players have several safe options to fall back on. Virtual casinos generally support a wide variety of payment methods that are both reliable and fast. Here is a list of the payment methods available to Turkish players:
ecoPayz
WebMoney
Jeton
AstroPay
CASHlibecoPayz
Thanks to e-wallets, players from all over the world can manage their funds through reliable services. ecoPayz is a fast option that clears withdrawals within 24 hours, while deposits are processed instantly.
WebMoney
WebMoney is an excellent e-wallet for Turkish players to manage their funds. Its site is available in Turkish, and you can manage your e-wallet using EUR.
Jeton
Jeton is another Turkish-friendly e-wallet. The site is available in Turkish, and you can bank using Turkish Lira.
AstroPay
AstroPay is next in line for Turkish players. The site is also available in Turkish and accepts TRY.
CASHlib
Players can buy CASHlib prepaid vouchers in a variety of currencies, including cryptocurrencies. Like other prepaid options, this method uses a 16 digit PIN. Players can deposit with this method only.
Bonuses and Promotions for Turkish Players
Despite the heavy restrictions on online gambling, many online casinos still serve Turkish players. As a result, players from Turkey are in for a treat. Many casinos are willing to offer opportunities that the government denies them. So, without further ado, here is a list of the types of bonuses and promotions Turkish gamblers can expect.
Welcome Bonuses
The majority of online casinos offer welcome bonuses to their players, which has led to fierce competition. Larger casinos tend to provide bigger welcome packages to new players. These bonuses are granted after you sign up and make your first deposit and usually range from a 50% to 200% match on that deposit. Some casinos also include free spins for specific games. Remember, wagering requirements apply before you can withdraw any winnings.
No-Deposit Bonus
Some casinos grant free spins or a small amount of cash when you first sign up. Winnings from these offers are usually capped and often require a deposit before you can request a withdrawal. These bonuses are typically limited to a small selection of games and generally come with wagering requirements before you can cash out any winnings.
Free Spins
Online casinos occasionally provide free spins for players to enjoy. They are usually restricted to certain slots and have a maximum value cap. In some cases, winnings are also capped.
Deposit Bonus
This bonus is similar to the welcome offer, except virtual casinos provide it periodically, sometimes as monthly or weekly promotions. As the name suggests, you deposit funds and the casino matches a certain percentage. Wagering requirements usually apply before you can withdraw any winnings.
Cashback
This is a generous offer. Some casinos understand how discouraging it can be to lose an entire deposit, so they provide a percentage of your deposit back as cashback if you lose it all. This allows you to enjoy a few more rounds on your favorite games. A key benefit of these bonuses is that they typically have no wagering requirements.
Comp Points
Comp (complimentary) points are usually awarded for wagers on games. Once you have collected enough, they can be converted to cash. Comp points extend your playtime and increase your chances of winning. Terms and conditions vary from casino to casino, so be sure to read them carefully.
Loyalty Scheme
These programs generally consist of tiers: the higher you climb the VIP ladder, the better the perks. The VIP program rewards loyal players. VIP members usually receive cashback offers, free spins and special bonuses, and some even get a dedicated support team.
Bonus Wheel
This is another fun feature to watch for. Bonus wheels are generally daily or weekly offers. They usually comprise different bonus types listed above. The most common include deposit bonuses, cashback offers and free spins, or even a combination of several.
Bonus Terms and Conditions
1Overview
Bonus offers and promotions can be rewarding and fun. Some online casinos, however, entice players with generous promotions that come with unrealistic terms and conditions. This is why we always urge people to read the bonus terms and conditions carefully before claiming any offer. Here, we have compiled a list of the key terms most casinos use.
2Minimum Deposit
Online casinos usually require a minimum deposit before you can redeem a promotional offer. Sometimes the minimum deposit needed to qualify for a bonus is higher than the casino’s standard minimum.
3Maximum Bet Amount
When you use bonus funds to play games, some casinos set a maximum bet limit, meaning that you cannot wager more than a specific amount with your bonus funds. This rule helps prevent what casinos call bonus abuse. If you exceed the maximum bet, the casino may void the bonus and any winnings derived from it.
4Wagering Requirements
This is one of the most common conditions attached to promotions. Casinos require you to wager your bonus, and sometimes the bonus plus the original deposit, a specified number of times before you can withdraw any winnings. If you request a withdrawal before meeting the wagering requirements, you could lose both the bonus and any associated winnings.
5Game Weighting
Not all casino games contribute 100% toward your wagering requirements. Usually, slot games contribute the most. Table games such as roulette and blackjack typically contribute less. Game weighting refers to the percentage of each bet that counts toward the wagering requirement. Casinos provide a chart or list that shows the weighting for each game.
6Validity Period
After you claim a promotional offer, you can use the bonus funds only for a limited time. Depending on the bonus and its wagering requirements, the offer may be valid for as little as 24 hours or as long as a month. This is the window in which you must satisfy the wagering requirements, so calculate carefully whether you have enough time to complete the playthrough.
Popular Software Providers
Online casinos can be tricky to navigate, especially when you are looking for a trustworthy casino with quality games. One of the biggest factors in choosing where to play is the software provider.
Most operators do not create their own games. Instead, they collaborate with software providers to build their gaming libraries. This arrangement assures players that casino operators have no influence over game outcomes.
For this reason, players should be familiar with the software providers available. Knowledge is power, after all. So, here are a few of the more popular software providers that power some of the casinos available to players with Turkish IP addresses.
NetEnt
Evolution Gaming
Betsoft
Yggdrasil
MicrogamingNetEnt
NetEnt is one of the most reputable software companies in the industry. It has been providing online casino software since 1996 and has built an enviable reputation. Today, almost everyone who enjoys online gambling has heard of NetEnt. The company boasts a portfolio packed with slots, table games, specialty titles and live games. It currently holds licenses from nine different jurisdictions, including the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC).
Evolution Gaming
This Maltese provider is another standout in the software arena. Established in 2006, Evolution Gaming has worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality games to casino enthusiasts. Its popularity stems largely from its outstanding live casino software. Evolution streams live games from professional studios in Riga, Malta, Vancouver and Stockholm. The company also caters to mobile users, making most of its games compatible with smaller screens. Evolution Gaming is fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and holds multiple licenses from other jurisdictions.
Betsoft
Betsoft has been around since 2006 and covers all major game genres. It prides itself on a large inventory of cinematic 3D games and works hard to ensure its library is available to mobile users as well. Betsoft supplies games to more than 500 online casinos throughout Europe and the Americas and holds licenses from Malta, Curacao and Romania.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is a relative newcomer, established in 2013, yet it has climbed the industry ladder at an impressive pace. It is now recognized as one of the industry’s most respected and acclaimed suppliers. Although its portfolio is not the largest, it showcases exceptional quality. Yggdrasil is licensed and regulated by the MGA and holds additional licenses from other jurisdictions. In recent years it has earned several awards, including Innovator of the Year and Innovation in RNG Casino Software.
Microgaming
Microgaming is the oldest player in the industry and claims to have developed the first true online casino software in 1994. It also created the first mobile casino software in 2004. Microgaming boasts the largest progressive jackpot network in the world, having paid out over $1.2 billion to date. The company provides some of the most popular games available at online casinos and holds licenses from the MGA and the UKGC, both esteemed regulators with extremely high standards.
Top Online Casinos for Players in Turkey
Choosing an online casino can be time-consuming and challenging. Gambling enthusiasts should always check an online casino’s reputation and licensing before even considering playing there. Reading other players’ reviews is also a good idea. Some casinos are reluctant to pay out big wins, so be sure to see what others have experienced.
You should also look at the bonuses and terms and conditions that come with them. Last, but certainly not least, review the games library; there is no point in playing at a casino if you do not like the games it offers.
We have made the process easier for you. To save you hours of scrolling and reading, here is our list of the top 8 casinos available to Turkish players.
BitStarz Casino
SlotV Casino
King Billy Casino
UniqueCasino
Frank Casino
Mr Bit Casino
CryptoThrills Casino
Casoo CasinoBitStarz Casino
Despite being relatively new to the gambling industry, BitStarz Casino has quickly made a name for itself. Since its launch in 2014, the site has continued to rise. It holds a license from the Government of Curacao, so you can rest assured the site is safe.
When you open the game section at BitStarz Casino, you are greeted by an abundance of top-quality games. These titles are supplied by leading providers such as Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play and many more.
This online casino has a downloadable app for mobile devices. All you need is a phone powered by Windows, Android or iOS, and even the live dealer games are accessible.
Turkish players do not need to worry about banking methods: they can easily fund their accounts with ecoPayz or even Bitcoin if they prefer. Customer service is another area where BitStarz excels, offering a responsive live chat and a customer support email for any questions or issues.
SlotV Casino
SlotV Casino is another relatively new contender, founded in 2017. It has partnered with over 50 software providers to deliver maximum player satisfaction. The casino features an exclusive live lounge supplied by Evolution Gaming, the leading provider of live games, and even offers a sports section. Players can access the site easily through Android and iOS mobile browsers.
At SlotV, players enjoy multiple payment options, with more than 15 choices, many of which are available in Turkey. Customer support earns five stars from us: the casino offers multiple support emails, live chat and even a phone line.
If you are concerned about legality, SlotV holds a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. This means the casino meets all safety and security requirements, so players do not need to worry about fraudulent activity.
King Billy Casino
King Billy Casino offers a luxurious experience. The site has been online since 2017 and is licensed by the Government of Curacao. It collaborates with some of the best software providers in the industry, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil and Play’n GO, and boasts more than 3000 slot games.
As the cherry on top, the casino provides native apps for iOS, Android and Windows, featuring over 2000 games.
Thanks to partnerships with Evolution Gaming and Microgaming, King Billy hosts an exclusive live show section as well as exciting progressive games. Players can enjoy titles such as Deal or No Deal and Dream Catcher, and, of course, the crowd-pleasing progressive jackpot Mega Moolah.
Signing up is straightforward and does not require endless information or verification. Players can manage funds in numerous currencies and choose from many banking methods. Support includes a helpful 24/7 live chat, a customer support email and a detailed FAQ section.
UniqueCasino
The UniqueCasino truly is unique. This gambling domain first appeared to players in 2016 and holds a license from the Government of Curacao, so there is no need to worry about legality.
The casino partners with leading software providers such as Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play, Betsoft and Playson, among others. These collaborations give players access to more than 1000 games, combining variety and quality, all of which are accessible through iOS and Android browsers.
UniqueCasino offers multiple banking options, many of which are available to Turkish players. You can deposit with ecoPayz, CASHlib, Bridgerpay and more. All deposit methods are instant, and withdrawals, particularly via ecoPayz, are processed within 24 hours.
UniqueCasino provides a responsive live chat as well as customer support via email, and there is a phone line if you prefer speaking to someone directly.
Frank Casino
Frank Casino is an excellent place to spend both time and money. Operating since 2014, it holds a license from the Government of Curacao and collaborates with nearly 50 software providers to deliver top-tier content.
The casino offers over 1000 games, combining diversity and quality. Providers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, Quickspin, NextGen Gaming and Elk Studios ensure you get the best.
Players can access an exclusive live dealer section provided mainly by NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The casino also hosts tournaments and features a sports section. All content is available to Android and iOS users via mobile browser.
A range of payment methods is friendly to Turkish users, including ecoPayz and AstroPay. A super-friendly live chat is available 24/7 for players who need assistance.
Mr Bit Casino
Here is yet another great online gambling destination. Mr Bit Casino has been operating since 2018 and has achieved a lot in a short time. It made the smart decision to work with over 55 online casino software providers, guaranteeing players a wide variety of quality games. The casino also holds a license from Curacao.
The site sports a funky electric-blue design that looks great and runs smoothly on mobile devices. Access via mobile browsers, whether iOS or Android, could not be easier, Mr Bit mobile casino is nearly identical to the desktop version.
Payment methods are plentiful. Turkish players will find ecoPayz, Jeton and WebMoney to be the most suitable options, and WebMoney even offers Turkish as a language choice. Customer support is available 24/7 through an online chat with a friendly team that replies in under one minute, plus two customer support emails and a phone line.
CryptoThrills Casino
CryptoThrills is a cryptocurrency-only online casino. Players can gamble using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash or Litecoin. With 160 games available, it offers a solid introduction to the world of cryptocurrency gambling.
The casino holds a license from Curacao. Its portfolio is powered by Betsoft, Saucify, Ezugi and Rival Gaming, providing slots, video poker, table games and even several keno variants, along with multiple live dealer games for interactive play.
CryptoThrills is accessible via mobile browser, and both iOS and Android users can enjoy the mobile version. The mobile features closely mirror the desktop experience, allowing you to play on the go.
Players manage their funds by setting up a cryptocurrency e-wallet, and all withdrawal requests are processed in up to 10 minutes. Customer support includes a friendly live chat and a support email.
Casoo Casino
Casoo Casino was founded in 2019, but despite the late start it has partnered with some of the biggest software providers in the industry and built an impressive game portfolio. The casino is licensed by the Government of Curacao.
Casoo offers numerous payment options, so Turkish players do not need to worry about deposits and withdrawals. A wide range of currencies is also supported.
When it comes to customer support, Casoo has everything covered: a responsive live chat, support email and phone line are all available, and there is a detailed FAQ section.
Thanks to providers such as Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Betsoft and Yggdrasil, this new casino delivers an abundance of entertainment. Players can find over 600 slots, more than 100 table games and a rich live section with over 70 titles featuring top-quality graphics. Casoo even offers a live show section supplied by Evolution Gaming, which is impressive for a newcomer.
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Is there still a way to play at an offshore online casino if I reside in Turkey?
Many casino fans in Turkey use VPNs to hide their IP addresses and access offshore online casinos. They also choose payment methods that cannot be traced back to online gambling sites to avoid legal complications. Although this approach works in some cases, remember that Turkey has strict laws penalizing both operators who accept Turkish players and the players themselves for illegal online gambling. There is hope that Turkey might relax its gambling laws if it joins the EU, but no such change is expected soon. Therefore, be extremely careful if you decide to gamble at offshore casinos while in Turkey.