Prospects for the Sports Betting Industry in Turkey in 2023
23 March 2023 / Blog
Turkey’s stance on iGaming
It has been notoriously complicated to find your way around Turkey’s ambivalent stance on gambling. Sports betting is now authorized and governed by law. If you want to open a casino or other gambling establishment in Turkey, you’ll need a license and approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Except for Horse Racing, the Lottery, and Sports Betting, all other forms of gambling have been illegal since 1997. Games like Bingo, Casino, Live Casino, Poker, and more are outlawed by these regulations.
Many Turkish sports bettors prefer to use foreign bookies because they have access to a wider variety of betting markets and better odds. These offshore bookmakers have their licenses issued by foreign jurisdictions, but they have millions of satisfied customers all over the world. The best part is that they provide a first-rate service to Turkish bettors by catering to their needs in terms of language and currency.
The do’s and don’ts
The iGaming industry in Turkey is strictly regulated. Foreign operators are not permitted to offer online gaming or sports betting in Turkey; only the lotteries (sports and traditional) are permitted to do so. Land-based casinos and online iGaming businesses and participation are both illegal in Turkey, making gambling a highly regulated activity. The state-run lottery and the IDDAA, a sports betting company owned by the state, are the only organizations exempt from this rule. Given this context, what opportunities exist for Turkish investors and entrepreneurs interested in targeting international players in the iGaming industry? What are the odds of that happening?
Outside the box
A legitimate iGaming or online casino catering to Turkish players is obviously impossible to set up in Turkey at this time. A Turkish entrepreneur or investor who is able to think “outside the box” will realize, however, that it is still achievable to set up an international business abroad with a gaming license issued by a jurisdiction other than Turkey. At this point, it is more important to focus on attracting players from countries where online gambling is legal, rather than worrying about whether or not Turkish citizens can participate. You shouldn’t target Turkish players in particular, as doing so could get you and your users in trouble with the Turkish government.
There are certain basic steps a Turkish investor can take to launch a successful online casino:
- Get a gambling license,
- Incorporate their business in the appropriate jurisdiction,
- Conduct an in-depth examination of consumer needs in their niche market,
- Formulate a marketing plan and brand identity,
- Acquire the necessary tools to build a web-based platform,
- Connect gaming with monetary and online assistance teams.
Despite the government’s apparent success in curbing gambling in Turkey, fines against individuals and casinos remain extremely rare and difficult to enforce. While sanctions against Turkish banks have had an effect, online payment portals continue to operate freely throughout the country, allowing serious gamblers and sports bettors to move money quickly and easily between accounts.
Digitain comes to the rescue!
As an internationally acclaimed, secure, and reliable sports-betting software provider, Digitain has been a popular choice for multiple iGaming businesses worldwide. In Turkey’s scenario, too, our company can offer practical and customized solutions to Turkey-based businesses looking to launch safe and successful sports betting operations. In comes Digitain’s award-winning, flexible, and innovative Sportsbook – the ultimate sports-betting software solution for any prospective iGaming venture! Contact Digitain for more info!
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