Which bookmakers are trusted and where to place bets in Turkey?
Below is a comprehensive list of all best betting sites in Turkey – tested and reviewed by Efirbet! See which bookies are legal in Turkey. Information about their bonuses for Turkish players follows.
Why Choose Online Betting in Turkey
The home of the first Christian church, Turkey is a uniquely diverse culture that offers features over 30 spoken languages. Known for its Grand Bazaar and shopping district, the country is also subdued in their passion for sports betting and other forms of betting. While sports betting, and for that matter betting in general may be illegal, many of the worlds top bookmakers welcome Turkish punters with open arms.
Resultantly, the list of online betting sites in Turkey is growing daily and that allows them to enjoy their preferred form of online entertainment. Moreover, with an abundance of regular promotional offers at their beck and call, online betting in Turkey is a choice more and more are making.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
CurrencyAs a country that is steeped in culture and tradition, the countries national currency since 1844 is the Turkish Lire. That makes it one of the worlds oldest currencies, and one of the world lowest valued currencies due to an often destabilized economy. | |
PopulationThe currency population of Turkey is 85,042,925 making it the 17th largest country in the world based on population. The average age of its population is 31.5 years, and its population equates to 1.08% of the worlds total population. | |
Active playersDue to the aggressive measures taken by the Turkish government, and the risk of fines and possible imprisonment, active player data from Turkey is unavailable. However, it is estimated that Turkish players spend over $670 million annually with offshore bookmakers and casinos. | |
Regulatory authorityAs gambling is for the most part illegal in Turkey other than state-controlled lotteries, there is no formal regulatory agencies that oversee gambling within Turkish borders. However, state sanctioned games of chance and horse racing are governed by the Turkish National Lottery Administration. | |
Licensed gambling productsAt the moment, Turkey has outlawed almost all forms of gambling. Subsequently, other than state-run lotteries and sanctioned horse racing events, all other gambling products are deemed illegal. | |
Types of operatorsSimilar to its licensed gambling products, there are no companies formally offering gambling services in Turkey. However, many offshore betting operators offer a variety of casino and sports related entertainment. |
The status of legalized gambling in Turkey is a pretty straightforward answer, it is illegal unless sponsored and sanctioned by the state. As such, beyond state run lotteries and on occasion, horse racing, Turkish residences are limited in their options to access legalized gambling services. In 2007, the Turkish government also adopted legislation to outlaw online gambling within its borders and has taken measures to enforce and prosecute those engaging in this form of entertainment.
However, for the most part, their efforts are directed towards illegal land-based operations, and while the country passed law that targets individuals as well as those that operate illegal betting operations, the overwhelming majority go undetected. Subsequently, Turkish punters can wager unabated online without much worry about possible fines or detention.
Due to the draconian laws in place in Turkey and their threat of fines and prosecution, some bookmakers have opted to restrict Turkish players from registering with their site. Much of the decision to restrict access is resultant on their licensing body and the limitations it may impose about operating in non-regulated countries. However, many bookmakers are happy to accept Turkish players and offer them the same high-quality experience they do to players from other countries.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
When it comes to selecting a betting site, knowing where to bet in Turkey is half the battle, but understanding the decision making process matter as well. Before starting the process of choosing the best online casinos or bookmaking sites, due diligence will be achieved by considering:
- Does the bookmaker accept Turkish residents, and if so, does it offer sign up bonuses and access to Turkish-friendly payment methods?
- If a licensed bookmaker, is it reputable and in good standing with its licensing authority?
- Does the layout and inherent design allow flexible movement and navigational features?
- Does the bookmaker feature in-play betting, and if it does, is live streaming a built-in feature?
- Are there an appropriate number of mobile points of access such as betting apps for the sportsbook or casino.
Leading Online Bookmakers in Turkey
Taking into account the current climate relating to gambling in Turkey, there are a limited number of leading online bookmakers accepting Turkish players. This situation is the result of the laws governing gambling activities and subsequently the number of new betting sites in Turkey. However, many of the top brands remain committed to accepting Turkish players, including those mentioned below.
1xbet
After opening in 2011, the success of 1xbet has seen its status among online punters grow exponentially. With a constantly increasing range of betting options, 1xBet has cemented itself as a leading sportsbook and casino. With its focus on catering to a global audience, Turkish residents will appreciate the multiple betting features and subsequent access to a constant supply of promotions.
22Bet
22Bet is another multi-purpose betting site that embraces Turkish players who want a discreet place to wager on sports or casino games. Along with offering a comprehensive selection of betting features, 22Bet has been dedicated to providing a safe, secure and unabated mobile and promotional friendly betting environment.
Melbet
This is an established bookmaker that has grown synonymous with sports entertainment. Featuring a player-friendly interface and multiple other styles of betting, Melbet has become a fan favourite and one that accepts Turkish players. Available in over 40 languages is testament to the global audience this betting site caters towards.
Bonuses for Turkish Players
There are many opportunistic bonuses for Turkey customers from leading bookmakers. After all, it is often the promotions that draw the initial interest. As such, Turkish players interest in a betting sites bonus can access a wide range of bonuses for Turkish customers. This includes everything from sign up bonuses to reload, free bets and more.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Turkey
Turkey is a nation with diverse interests and languages. However, the one thing they all seem to agree on is the sports that remain popular in their hearts. Naturally, first and foremost is football, although others include those mentioned below:
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Horse Racing
Are Online Casinos Popular in Turkey?
If the $670 million spent annually with online casinos and bookmakers is an indicator, online casinos remain a popular choice in Turkey. Unfortunately, due to the unfriendly position taken by the Turkish government, actual game preferences are hard to come by. That said, with sports being the preferred betting option, it is safe to suggest they rank high on the list of must-haves for Turkish punters. Of course, coming in a close second are games of chance such as slots and card games.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- While Turkey is home to the annual Selçuk Efes Camel Wrestling Festival, camels are not native to Turkey.
- Turkish born Saint Nicolas, Greek Bishop of Myra and Christian saint later went on to become known as Santa Claus
- Turkey’s Iztuzu Beach is the endangered Mediterranean sea turtle’s main breeding grounds every year between May and October.
- In 1875, Turkey became the second country to ever build an underground railway. Still operational, it services major rail lines throughout continental Europe.
- The advent of agriculture was invented in Turkey over 11,000 years ago by a group of Çatalhöyüki inhabitants who planted and harvested barley and wheat.
Available Mobile Apps
The availability of mobile apps for Turkish players is a common advantage that comes from playing online. Bookmaker dependant, their availability will include iOS and Android apps, along with a mobile version. This is the more commonly preferred platform due to the climate towards online betting in Turkey.
Supported Payment Methods
While gambling may be illegal in Turkey, its residents are known for accessing offshore betting establishment for their online entertainment needs. Subsequently, the most popular payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal are widely used. Additional popular methods include prepaid cards such as Troy.
As gambling in Turkey is illegal, the state naturally has not implemented any form of taxation towards gambling related winnings. Likewise, there is no taxation of gambler operators as they too are deemed illegal under the countries draconian and outdated gambling laws.
FAQs
Is it safe to download betting apps if I live in Turkey?
The downloading and using of apps in Turkey is completely safe. However, resultant of the laws relating to gambling, you may wish to consider using a mobile site version versus a betting app.
When I withdrawal, how will the bookmaker send me my winnings?
Bookmakers operating in Turkey offer a number of convenient payment methods for punter withdrawals. The options available to you will be available once logged into your bookmaker of choice.
How do I know an offshore bookmaker is safe?
A bookmakers record of safety can be easily ascertained by verifying its licensing. As long as licensed, playing with the bookmaker is safe.
What about legal age requirements for Turkish players?
Like any other country, bookmakers will require you to be at least 18 years of age.
Considering the laws in Turkey, will I still be required to verify my identity?
Yes, as all licensed bookmakers are required by law to “know their customers”.
Will I be able to deposit and withdraw using the Turkish Lire?
That will depend on the bookmaker or casino and whether the Turkish Lire is one of their accepted currency options.
Will my account be close if I win too much?
No, this is not something that licensed bookmakers engage in, or practise.
Final Comments
Until the recent expansion of online betting sites in Turkey, Turkish punters had few options they could avail. However, while the legality of online gambling in Turkey is an issue, government officials tend to look the other way. For punters who enjoy wagering on sports or casino games, this is good news. Whether the Turkish government will adopt a broader position toward gambling is to be seen, but it is hopeful the future will see this into fruition.
