Public Banks Remove “Games of Chance” Tab: A New Era for Deposits in Turkey

The removal of the “Games of Chance” payment section from the mobile banking applications of Turkey’s public banks — Ziraat Bankası, Halkbank and VakıfBank — has brought deposit methods on betting and gaming platforms back into focus. With this change, the long-standing “one-click” payment option offered through public banks has effectively ended, prompting questions about how users will deposit funds going forward.

The update, first noticed directly by users within mobile banking apps, quickly drew attention among customers who regularly use licensed betting and games of chance platforms in Turkey.

A Noticeable Change in Mobile Banking

Until recently, public banks in Turkey allowed customers to transfer funds to betting and gaming platforms through a dedicated “Games of Chance” menu under the payments section. That option is no longer visible in the mobile banking interfaces of major state-owned lenders.

Users report that when attempting to deposit funds, the relevant menu cannot be found, leading to the conclusion that fast and simplified payment flows via public banks have been disabled as part of a broader policy shift.

SMS Message from Misli Draws Attention

As discussions over deposit methods intensified, users shared an SMS message reportedly sent by Misli, one of Turkey’s licensed betting platforms. The message reads:

Misli:
“Important Notice: Due to legal regulations, as of February 1, 2026, please remember to activate your account by making a games of chance payment through partner banks in order to continue using your account.”

The emphasis on “partner banks” has taken on greater significance following the removal of the payment menu from public banks. The message is widely interpreted as a signal that users may need to rely on specific banking channels to keep their accounts active.

How Will Deposits Work Without the Games of Chance Tab?

For many users, the “Games of Chance” tab offered a simple process: select the platform, enter a membership number and complete the payment. With that option gone, two main deposit methods are now coming to the forefront:

• Payments via partner banks: Transactions carried out through banks that continue to support betting and gaming payments.

• Transfers via IBAN (EFT / FAST / wire transfer): Standard bank transfers made directly to the platform’s account details.

In the latter case, accuracy becomes critical. Users must ensure that reference fields, membership numbers and sender information are entered correctly. Errors or missing details may result in delays or rejected transactions.

Private Banks Continue to Offer the Service

While public banks have removed the dedicated payment menu, some private banks in Turkey continue to offer games of chance payment options through their mobile and internet banking services.

This divergence highlights the absence of a uniform approach across the banking sector and suggests that public and private banks are now following different policies regarding betting-related transactions.

Credit Score Concerns Resurface

The changes have also reignited debate over whether betting and gaming transactions affect credit assessments in Turkey. Some claims suggest that such transactions could indirectly influence access to credit or loan approvals.

However, under the existing system, credit scores are primarily calculated based on payment history, current debt levels and overall credit usage. There is no official confirmation that a single deposit transaction automatically lowers a customer’s credit score.

What Lies Ahead for Users?

The removal of the “Games of Chance” menu from public banks is expected to reshape deposit habits on betting and gaming platforms in Turkey. In the period ahead:

• Transfer-based deposits may replace one-click payment menus

• Partner banks are likely to play a more central role

• The risk of user error during deposits may increase

Further guidance from banks and platform operators is expected to clarify how the new system will function in practice.