Türkiye: Sports Betting Legal Framework
By Banu Bölükemini and Oğuzhan Hava, Bezen & Partners, Istanbul, Türkiye[1]
- General Framework
Online betting has become increasingly popular in Türkiye, particularly in the realm of football. This is largely attributed to widespread internet access and an engaged younger population. The rising interest has prompted significant regulatory changes.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Board’s (Mali Suçları Araştırma Kurulu) (“MASAK”) Activity Report for 2023 reveals that, in 2023, a total of 861 illegal betting operations were suspended in accordance with the Law on the Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime numbered 5549, encompassing approximately TL 466.9 million alongside significant amounts in foreign currencies, that is, US$ 5.38 million and €188,271. Furthermore, MASAK’s activity report for 2023 indicates that illegal betting led to 16,363 individuals being investigated in 2023, which is an increase from 8,231 in 2021 to 10,191 in 2022.
Türkiye has taken a stringent approach to regulate online betting, emphasising the need to maintain public order and prevent unlawful betting and gambling. The regulatory framework is primarily based on the Law on Arranging Betting and Games of Chance in Football and Other Sports numbered 7258 and dated 29 April 1959 (the “Law No. 7258”), which establishes comprehensive guidelines for legal betting operations.
In addition to the Law No. 7258, the Law on the Authorisation of Fixed Odds and Pari-Mutual Betting in Sports Events by Private Legal Entities numbered 5738 and dated 21 February 2008 (the “Law No. 5738”) imposes further restrictions and financial obligations on operators.
In addition to setting out the legal framework, these laws also underscore Türkiye’s commitment to protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors and individuals at risk of gambling addiction. Türkiye has established penalties for non-compliance that range from financial fines to imprisonment, showcasing a strict approach.
- Licensing
In Türkiye, the Spor Toto Teşkilat Başkanlığı (the “STTB”) has the exclusive authority to organise and license fixed odds and joint betting relating to sports events. Law No. 7258 grants STTB the authority to monitor and authorise all betting activities in both domestic and international sports events. Furthermore, with the enactment of Law No. 5738, the procedural framework was extended to allow STTB to delegate these activities to private entities through licensing agreements. This delegation model enables the establishment and operation of central betting and risk management systems by private legal entities, excluding horse racing.
The delegation is carried out through a tender process in accordance with the Law No. 5738. The STTB awards licences to private legal entities for a specified term through competitive bidding. For instance, the most recent tender, in 2019, was awarded to Şans Girişim Ortak Girişim Grubu, a joint venture established by Demirören Holding A.Ş. and Scientific Games International Inc., with rights to operate betting activities for a period of 10 years.
Under this framework, the STTB issues licences for both physical and online platforms, allowing the operator to carry out activities either as "fixed agents" (physical locations) or "virtual agents" (online platforms). These agents must comply with the Regulation on the Implementation of Fixed Odds and Joint Betting in Sports Events numbered 12904 and dated 28 February 2024 (the “Regulation”). Operators are obliged to share a specific percentage of their revenue with Spor Toto, which is ultimately determined by the STTB.
In accordance with Articles 4 and 26 of the Regulation, obtaining a licence from the STTB, or from private legal entities authorised by the STTB, is mandatory to conduct virtual and/or fixed agent activities. In this context, individuals, who are granted an agency licence, must enter into a fixed-term agency agreement, with a duration not exceeding 10 years.
This approach ensures that only reputable entities with robust financial backing are permitted to operate, which helps to safeguard consumers and prevent illegal betting.
To obtain a licence, potential operators must meet stringent requirements, including compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Furthermore, the tender process imposes further requirements for those wishing to participate. Law No. 5738 describes the legal criteria for the tender process, requiring applicants to demonstrate their ability to manage betting activities responsibly, with strict adherence to consumer protection laws. This includes, amongst others, the implementation of identity verification processes to prevent minors from accessing betting services and the establishment of responsible gambling tools.
Sanctions for illegal betting are regulated under Law No. 7258. In accordance with Article 5 of Law No. 7258, those who illegally organise or facilitate fixed-odds and joint betting or games of chance based on sports events or provide a venue or opportunity for such activities, shall be punished with imprisonment for three to five years and a fine.
- Protection of Vulnerable Individuals
Türkiye’s betting laws are not only focused on regulating operators but also on safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
As mentioned above, there are regulations concerning the protection of vulnerable persons, such as the prohibition to allow individuals under the age of 18 to participate in betting activities. Pursuant to Articles 32 and 24 of the Regulation, permitting individuals under the age of 18 to engage in betting constitutes a reason for revocation of the agency licence. In such cases, the licence may be unilaterally cancelled by the STTB without following any notice period contractually agreed. Furthermore, those who allow individuals under 18 to place bets are subject to sanctions under Article 5 of Law No.7258 and the Turkish Penal Code (see 2nd Criminal Division Decision No: 2010/15484).
- Conclusions
Türkiye's regulatory framework for betting, as outlined under Law No. 7258 and Law No. 5738, mandates that only licensed entities may operate under the authority of the STTB, with stringent compliance requirements imposed on such operations.
These Laws establish robust auditing of financial practices and enforce strict age restrictions, seeking to mitigate the inherent risks associated with betting activities. Penalties for illegal betting, including material fines and imprisonment, underscore an ongoing commitment to combat unauthorised activities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Additionally, these Laws prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly minors, by imposing significant penalties for violations of age restrictions.
Bibliography
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[1] The Authors may be contacted, respectively, by e-mail at
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