Best Turkmenistan Betting Sites

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, and even though it is one of the largest countries on the continent. Turkmens are passionate football fans; and among others, quite popular sports are horse racing and archery. In everything related to gambling, we need to mention that there are 2 major laws applied in 2008 and 2016, respectively; with land-based gambling having been regulated and online betting deemed illegal.

Thus, two casinos opened in Ashgabat, and many betting shops operate legally across the country. It is worth noting that until today, about only 20% of Turkmenistan citizens have access to the Internet and the majority of them still prefer land-based gambling sites. Needless to say, there are no online betting sites in Turkmenistan, as they are typically illegal. Despite that, Turkmen can access international online bookies without fear of prosecution.

Best Betting Sites in Turkmenistan

If you are a resident of Turkmenistan, bookies with the most competitive odds, a wide variety of markets, including Turkmenistan Yokary Liga games, and the choice of transactions in TMT must be your thing. Below you will find our top 3 selections.

Turkmenistan Betting - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  The legal gambling age in Turkmenistan is 18 years
• 2
  There are 2 licensed land-based casinos, the Grand Casino & the Ak-Altin Casino in Ashgabat
• 3
  Typically there is a prohibition towards online gambling, but players don't face prosecutions
• 4
  Betting winnings are not subject to tax
• 5
  Online bettors use a VPN as Turkmentelekom, the only ISP provider, blocks betting sites

General info

⏩Population: 6.000.000

⏩Active players: 500.000

⏩Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, casino games

⏩Designated authority: No designated gambling authority

⏩Operator types: Non-licensed online bookies and casinos, licensed land-based betting shops and casinos

⏩Status: Semi-regulated

Online Gambling in Turkmenistan: The Law Framework

The betting regulations in Turkmenistan were all established after the dissolution of the USSR and the country’s independence. More specifically, the government voted on two general laws, and both of them included gambling.

The first one, which took effect in 2008, was the law “On Licensing of Certain Types of Activities”, which allowed specific forms of businesses to gain a license and open; such as land-based casinos and betting shops.

The second Turkmenistan gambling law, “On Advertising,” came into effect in 2016 and states that all forms of online gambling and advertising are illegal, encompassing online sports betting as well. Since the online market is unregulated, there are no local licensees in Turkmenistan, and only well-established international bookies can be accessed without any restrictions.

Apart from that, there are several online bookies that  Turkmentelekom - the only ISP provider, actively blocks. Hence, the primary choice for Turkmen bettors is the licensed betting shops in Turkmenabat - mainly 1xBet and MegaStavka. Plus, there are two casinos in Ashgabat: the Grand Casino and the Ak-Altin Casino.

Important Info for Turkmen Bettors

Before deciding on gambling in Turkmenistan, make sure to choose wisely the online bookie you are going to opt for. Even though online betting is unlawful; you can bet seamlessly without fear of fines or imprisonment on international sportsbooks - as long as they accept Turkmen bettors.

Due to the fact that there are several betting sites that the local ISP provider blocks; it is wise to use a VPN or a proxy server in order to bypass the blocks and be able to play. Moreover, due to the lack of online betting regulation in Turkmenistan, betting taxes are non-existent, and players can keep all their winnings.

Turkmenistan Bet: How to Deposit at Online Bookies

Players who opt for top international bookies have a wide array of deposit methods available. Namely, debit/credit cards, e-wallets (with Ecopayz and WebMoney betting sites being the most notable ones) and last but not least, cryptocurrencies; even though they are not too popular among Turkmens.

Since there is no high demand for online betting in Turkmenistan; there are very few bookies accepting transactions in Manat (TMT). So, EUR and USD are mostly preferable.

Nearby Regions' Gambling Laws

Exploring the regulations in surrounding areas offers valuable insights into the established systems governing online gambling. Below, you can explore some of the most notable ones: 

⏩ Best Kazakhstan Betting Sites

⏩ Top Betting Sites in Iran

⏩ Best Tajikistan Bookmakers

The Future of Sports Betting in Turkmenistan

At least for the next few years, the online betting landscape will remain intact, as the majority of Turkmen citizens will have limited internet access, which will be quite expensive, government-controlled, and offered by only one provider.

Bettors will naturally prefer Turkmenistan bookmakers, like 1xBet, operating through land-based shops. The government seems satisfied with the current legislation and is not planning to fully regulate the market or give any local licenses to online gambling operators anytime soon.