Is crypto betting legal in Turkey?

The legal status of crypto betting in Turkey is complex and best described as being in a legal gray area, but effectively illegal. While it is legal to own, buy, and sell cryptocurrencies in Turkey, a ban on using them for payments has been in place since 2021. There are no specific laws that explicitly regulate or outlaw cryptocurrency gambling.

However, the existing legal framework for gambling as a whole makes crypto betting de facto illegal. All forms of online gambling, with the exception of the state-run sports betting company IDDAA, are prohibited under Turkish law. The government has adopted a 'zero-tolerance' policy towards illegal online gambling and has been actively cracking down on such activities.

This includes blocking access to foreign gambling websites and prosecuting individuals involved. In early 2026, Turkish authorities, with the help of Tether, seized over half a billion dollars in crypto assets linked to an illegal betting network. This demonstrates the government's commitment to enforcing its anti-gambling laws, even when cryptocurrencies are involved.

Therefore, while not explicitly mentioned in the law, crypto betting falls under the general ban on online gambling and is considered an illegal activity in Turkey.