The Top Online Casinos in Turkey in 2025

Key Regulatory Bodies and Enforcement

Turkey has two regulatory bodies working in tandem to oversee all gambling activities within its borders. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority, or BTK, is responsible for the digital side, blocking access to illegal gambling sites. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board, or MASAK, investigates financial transactions related to unauthorized betting.

If either of these agencies catches someone either providing or participating in unauthorized gambling activities, they have the authority to issue severe penalties. Those found operating illegal gambling sites face criminal charges, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Players who participate in such activities may also be subject to monetary fines.

Are Online Casinos Allowed in Turkey

Turkey doesn’t allow any privately owned casinos or similar venues. In fact, the only types of casinos that used to operate in Turkey were state-owned and strictly monitored. However, they’ve been closed since the late 1990s. The state runs all other types of betting as well. If you want to bet on sports on domestic sites, the IDDAA is the only platform you can turn to. For lotteries, there is only Milli Piyango.

The Stance of the Turkish Government and Public Policy on Gambling

Turkey’s views regarding gambling and online casinos are very conservative. It sees this activity as a potential threat to social order and public health. The country goes to great lengths to monitor and block illegal gambling websites to protect citizens from harm.

To give you a clearer picture of Turkey’s attitude towards online casinos and gambling in general, here is a clear timeline outlining the key events and regulatory milestones:

• 1984 – The National Lottery expands its offerings and becomes more regulated under the Ministry of Finance.
• 1990 – Legalization of land-based casinos in tourist areas, targeting foreign visitors.
• 1996 – Banning of land-based casinos due to money laundering, organized crime, and moral decline concerns.
• 2001 – The launch of IDDAA, Turkey’s state-run sports betting platform. This created a monopoly status over legal sports betting.
• 2004 – Private operators can bid for the operation of IDDAA, leading to private technical operators under state oversight.
• 2006 – The passing of Law No. 5607 on the Prevention of Crimes Committed Through the Use of Information Technologies, targeting illegal online gambling platforms.
• 2007 – Official banning of online casinos under legislation clarifying that only the state can offer online betting (Law No. 7258 amended).
• 2013 – MASAK tasked with monitoring suspicious financial activities tied to illegal betting.
• 2014 – The start of BTK’s blocking access to foreign and unauthorized gambling websites.
• 2017 – The Turkish government launched “anti-illegal betting operations” nationwide.
• 2019 – Introduction of stiffer penalties for individuals caught gambling online or facilitating gambling payments.
• 2020 – An increase in mobile and digital payment monitoring to detect illegal gambling payments through platforms like Papara and Jeton.
• 2022 – Automatic domain blocking for mirror websites offering unauthorized gambling services.
• 2023 – Continued crackdown on online gambling, focusing on social media promotions, crypto-based betting, and influencer-sponsored ads

Can Players from Turkey Enjoy Casino Games?

While the government has a very strict stance regarding casinos and sports betting, players have a different view. Interest in online gaming is rising, with many Turkish citizens searching for international venues that accept them. Over the years, Google Trends shows an increase in searches like “online casino,” “Texas Hold’em,” “slots,” and “live betting sites”, despite the bans.

To access these sites, players usually use VPNs that help them circumvent the geo-blocking implemented by the BTK. Mobile gaming and smart devices are making it even easier for players to access these digital venues. Sites optimized for smaller screens and digital payment methods available as downloadable apps allow players to be discreet when playing casino games online.

What To Look For In An Online Casino

If you’re one of the many trying to find online casinos that allow Turkish players, you’re probably visiting every site that pops up during your browser search. But be aware, not all of them are reputable or safe.

On the other hand, carefully testing each of them is hard work, so it is best left to professionals. Our team employs a scientific method to measure several metrics when assessing international online casinos. Let’s see what our criteria are.

• Licensing and Regulation: The first thing we look for is a valid licence issued by a reputable licensing authority. The casino must list the issuing body and license number in an easily noticeable place, usually at the bottom of the site. Some of the licensing institutions that always give us confidence in an online casino are:
  • The Malta Gaming Authority
  • The UK Gambling Commission
  • The Curaçao Gaming Control Board
  • The Kahnawake Gaming Commission
  • The Anjouan Gaming Commission (Comoros)
• Security Measures and Privacy Protection: Nothing is more important than protecting your personal information and banking details. Online casinos always require a digital payment method, so you want to be sure that whatever data you submit is secure from unauthorized parties. An online casino should always use encryption such as SSL/TLS. Their Privacy Policy should also clearly state the steps they are taking to protect your information.
• Good Customer Service: It’s not unusual to come across a few problems when dealing with digital transactions. This is where a dedicated customer service team can take your potential bad experience and do everything they can to resolve the issue and keep you as a loyal customer. During our assessments, we always consider the casino’s response time, professionalism, issue resolution, and number of support channels.
• Game Variety and Quality: The hallmark of a good casino is always the variety and number of games it offers. Premium casinos partner with leading software providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, to bring their players top-notch entertainment in the form of slots, table games, live casino games, etc. Some even have a sportsbook attached, so you don’t have to search elsewhere to bet on sports.
• Mobile Optimization or App Availability: Casinos know that most of their audience accesses their site through a smartphone or tablet. That’s why the best of them optimize their sites to be compatible with smaller screens and touch navigation. Or, they create free apps that provide the same functionality and smooth gameplay at the site itself.
• Welcome Packages and Regular Promotions: Online casinos attract new players through generous welcome packages. The benefits are usually spread across three or four deposits, motivating players to keep wagering. But the way online casinos keep players interested in their platform is by offering worthwhile promos and deals that are ongoing.
• VIP or Loyalty Programs: Reputable casinos always find ways to reward loyal players. VIP Clubs and Loyalty Programs allow you to rack up points and unlock even more perks, like better bonuses, bigger cashback, and even actual cash prizes.

Which Casino Games Are the Most Popular in Turkey

Considering all the steps they must take to play some casino games, Turkish bettors are some of the most discerning ones on the planet. They know exactly what they want. Let’s see the most popular casino games loved by a large percentage of Turkish players.

• Online Video Slots: Slots are arguably one of the most popular casino games worldwide. They are plentiful, with endless fun themes, music, and graphics. The rules are simple enough to learn in a few turns, and the game mechanics only involve wagering and pulling a virtual lever, or in most cases, a big red button.

  Also, the potential rewards for that little effort are quite staggering. Gameplay can be as short or as long as you want. You can quit after a few spins of the reels, or keep going until you hit it big. Most online casino slots have a pretty favorable RTP, so a potential win can be life-changing.

  They are also easily accessible. All international casinos that you can join from Turkey have entire sections of their site dedicated to different types of slots, from regular to progressive, jackpots, bonus buy, and everything in between.

• Poker (Especially Texas Hold’em): Turkish players consider poker more than just a game of pure luck. They hold it in such high regard because it requires skill, the ability to analyze your opponents, and change your strategy as the game develops. Unlike games of chance, poker players can only gain an edge through knowledge of the game, bluffing techniques, and reading opponents.

   It’s also played with other people, even online, mimicking the social aspect of traditional Turkish games like tavla and Okey. The many tournaments and sizable cash prizes are another draw, speaking to the competitive side of Turkish players, and of course, their desire to win the pot.

• Roulette and Blackjack: You can find these two table games on the roster of any online casino that is worth its salt. After all, they are classics for a reason, and very few players can resist them. Roulette has a variety of betting options, and each spin of the wheel is quite suspenseful. Turkish players often enjoy placing “outside bets” like red/black or odd/even, which provide more frequent, albeit smaller, wins, quite fitting for cautious bettors.
  On the other hand, blackjack is for those who are a bit more mathematically inclined. With the right strategy, you can lower the house edge and shift the odds in your favor. It’s fast-paced, and you can also play with other players.
• Sports Betting: Sports are everything in Turkey. Even with the strict government control, sports betting is one of the biggest pastimes in the country. Betting on horse races is permitted under the law and is highly popular, but the true passion of Turkish sports fans is betting on football and basketball. Bettors can use their extensive sports knowledge while building a winning ballot on leagues like the Turkish Süper Lig, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, EPL, La Liga, and more. Expectedly, games involving Turkish clubs or national teams are even more popular.
• Mobile Gaming Trends: Almost 95% of the Turkish population owns a smartphone, giving them direct, easy access to online gaming venues. Many of these casinos have mobile-optimized sites and even dedicated iOS and Android apps. In combination with digital payment methods, it’s easy to play and pay just by using your smart device.

How To Access Online Casinos From Turkey

If Turkey strictly monitors all access to online casinos, how do players access them? Most use a VPN to mask their IP address and set a location where online gaming is allowed. Then, they just have to confirm that the casino accepts Turkish players, for verification and payment purposes, and then register an account.

While this method works and is used by many, you should still be aware of the possible risk. Here at Casinofy, we always advocate for safe and responsible gaming.

What Are The Most Used E-payment Methods in Turkey For Online Casinos

We know that payment methods like bank transfers and credit/debit cards are familiar to most, but they might not be the best choice if you’re located in Turkey because they are also closely monitored. Some easier alternatives are:

• Neteller: This is a digital wallet with fast transactions and high security. You can fund it via credit card or bank transfer.
• Skrill: Another digital wallet popular due to its speed and convenience. It supports instant deposits and fast withdrawals, with minimal fees.
• EcoPayz: This is a private way to fund online casino accounts without linking a bank. It supports multiple currencies and hassle-free transactions.
• Bitcoin: This cryptocurrency provides privacy and decentralization. Also, most online casinos accept it.
• Paysafecard: This prepaid voucher system doesn’t require a bank account or personal details.

Conclusion: Turkey And Online Casinos

When it comes to online casinos, Turkey is quite the paradox. While the state tightens restrictions and enacts new regulations, the people’s love of online gambling continues to grow. Hopefully, the state will take notice and loosen the reins, but until then, Turkish players can visit any of the abovementioned venues and play knowing they are safe and protected.

You too can claim a welcome bonus and try to win the big prize!