Turkey’s gambling tax revenue has recently surged, reflecting significant policy changes. This shift followed the 2023 General Election. After the election, the government implemented major fiscal adjustments. It doubled tax rates on sports betting, horse racing, and alternative games of chance. These measures were intended to increase state revenue and regulate the growing gaming market. Even with tax reductions later in 2023, revenue trends indicate sustained market growth. This growth outpaced statutory projections and signals strong underlying demand. It also reflects high consumer engagement across the sector.
A comparative historical perspective underscores the magnitude of this expansion. In 2020, Turkey’s gambling tax revenue stood at TRY 3.46 billion, providing a clear baseline for measuring progress. By 2025, revenues had reached TRY 50.2 billion, representing more than a fourteenfold increase over five years. This level of growth is unprecedented in the Turkish gaming industry. It highlights the rapid commercialization and digital transformation of gambling activities during this period.
One of the most significant market shifts occurred in 2020 with the transfer of National Lottery operations to Sisal Şans, a joint venture between the Demirören Group and the Italian firm Sisal. This transition triggered substantial market restructuring. It moved gambling participation away from traditional weekly lottery draws toward continuous digital gaming platforms available online. The shift introduced always-on platform access and continuous betting opportunities. As a result, consumer engagement patterns changed fundamentally, setting a new standard for digital-first gambling operations.
Alongside legal market growth, Turkish authorities observed the expansion of illegal gambling networks, prompting intensified enforcement efforts. The Turkish Interior Ministry reported that, between January 1, 2024, and October 6, 2025, authorities targeted 1,120 illegal gambling and betting operators. These operations led to the confiscation of cash and assets worth TRY 15.847 billion, or about US$373 million. The actions highlight the continuing need for regulatory oversight in a rapidly expanding market.
