In the first eleven months of 2025, Turkey’s gambling sector witnessed a remarkable surge in tax revenues, reaching 50.2 billion lira (US$1.18 billion), surpassing the total tax intake for 2024. This increase is largely attributed to intensified efforts by authorities to dismantle illegal gambling structures and optimize tax collection mechanisms.
Following the 2023 General Election in Turkey, significant regulatory changes were implemented, including a doubling of tax rates on sports betting, horse racing, and other games of chance. Although the government rolled back some of these increases at the end of 2023, the ongoing rise in revenue indicates sustained market growth that exceeds statutory expectations. In comparison to 2020, when tax revenues from gambling were a mere 3.46 billion Lira, the current figures represent a staggering more than fourteen-fold increase over five years, an unprecedented trajectory within the gaming industry.
The transformation of Turkey’s gambling market was significantly propelled by the transition to digital platforms. In 2020, the National Lottery’s operations were transferred to Sisal Şans, a collaboration between Demirören Group and Italian company Sisal. This transition marked a pivotal shift from traditional lottery draws to continuous digital gaming experiences accessible online. As a result, consumer engagement evolved from participating in scheduled draws to enjoying constant access and betting opportunities on digital platforms.
While the legal market flourished, there was a concurrent rise in illegal gambling activities, prompting Turkish authorities to escalate enforcement measures. Between January 1, 2024, and October 6, 2025, the Interior Ministry reported conducting 1,120 operations targeting illegal gambling, seizing 15.847 billion Turkish Lira (approximately US$373 million) in cash and assets. In the digital realm, over 31,000 illegal online betting sites were shut down in the first eleven months of 2025, leading to the detention of numerous suspects in relation to illicit betting activities.
The focus of enforcement has increasingly shifted to financial systems facilitating illegal gambling transactions. On November 18, 2025, the payment platform IQ Money came under the control of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund following investigations into illegal betting and fraud allegations. Investigations indicated that transaction volumes showed discrepancies with normal business operations. Further legal proceedings on November 22 led to the arrest of 32 individuals, including four football referees, for money laundering through cryptocurrency wallets and informal cross-border networks.
In a separate case on December 5, an Istanbul court froze the assets of PayCo electronic payment company due to investigations into illegal betting and money laundering. On December 16, operations targeted Gain Medya, resulting in three executives being detained and the appointment of TMSF as trustee to seven associated companies over allegations of illegal betting and organized crime activities.
Despite the expansion of the legal market, illegal gambling still poses a significant challenge. A recent study involving 36,334 participants across 26 provinces found that 6.6 percent of those who gambled in the past month did so through illegal online means. This suggests that the illegal market might be larger than the legal one, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulatory enforcement and integration into the legal framework.
The legal gambling market’s growth is tempered by the persistent allure of illegal operations, offering gambling options without regulatory constraints. This duality presents both an opportunity for further market consolidation and a challenge for policymakers aiming to integrate and regulate the broader gaming ecosystem effectively.
The vibrant gambling market in Turkey serves as a microcosm of global trends, where digital transformation and regulatory evolutions drive growth. As Turkey continues to refine its approach to managing the industry, balancing robust growth with effective oversight and public health considerations remains essential. The legal framework must keep pace with technological advancements and adapt to evolving consumer behaviors to ensure a sustainable and compliant gambling environment.
While experts acknowledge the strides made in the legal market, they caution against complacency. There is a consensus that continuous evaluation and adaptation of policies are crucial to curbing illegal activities and fostering a thriving legal market. Turkey’s experience offers valuable insights for other markets navigating similar transitions, where the interplay between legal and illegal gambling sectors poses complex regulatory challenges.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
3.9/5ViciWin Casino
20 Free Spins
