Serious restrictions coming for betting sites

The latest regulation update published in the Official Gazette introduces significant changes to the promotional, bonus, and advertising practices of legal betting sites operating in Turkey. Within this scope, these sites will no longer be able to reach their users through promotional campaigns aimed at rewarding or incentivizing play. The purpose of these changes is stated as increasing the effectiveness of the fight against illegal betting and protecting social values.

With the new regulation, the primary motivation for marketing strategies in betting games has been removed from "increasing total sales." From now on, marketing and promotional activities can only be carried out by the organization, provided that they do not encourage young people to play, do not harm social values, and remain limited to sports-related channels.

The statement in the Official Gazette included the following:

"Activities such as marketing and promotion related to fixed-odds and pari-mutuel betting games may be carried out by the Organization for virtual environment dealers, provided that they do not aim to encourage those under 18 to play, do not damage the values of society, and are limited to sports-related channels, in order to support the fight against illegal betting, offer a safe gaming environment, and increase public benefit.”

In this direction, with the new regulation, the articles granting advantages such as "sales promotion" and "bonus provision" to betting sites have been completely removed from the regulation. Thus, a notable contraction in the marketing power of legal platforms is expected.

BLACK TAPE REQUIREMENT

Advertising practices in physical environments have also been brought under control. Within the scope of the circular that entered into force in January 2025, steps were taken to remove existing betting advertisements in stadiums and sports facilities. While fixed betting logos on billboards and in-field visuals were removed from images, it was made mandatory to place "black tape" over advertisements that could not be dismantled. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also contributed to this process by removing league title sponsorships from its own website.

These measures aim to control the public perception of the betting sector while encouraging effectiveness in the fight against illegal betting. Authorities aim to create a safer gaming environment that is in line with social values in both digital and physical spaces with the implementation of the new regulation.

News Source: 12punto