The ban, and where the industry went
The Casino Ban Act was passed in 1996 and took effect on 11 February 1998, closing the country's casinos outright. Only two categories of gambling remain legal in Turkey: Iddaa, the state sports betting operation, and the national lottery. Both are state-controlled, and everything else, including online casino play, is prohibited.
Casino gambling did not disappear from the region; it relocated. Northern Cyprus had permitted casinos since 1975 and grew into the market the ban created, and Turkish players are its largest customer base. That growth has attracted persistent scrutiny over money-laundering risk, which is worth knowing before treating the destination as equivalent to a licensed European one.
What this means for a visitor
- There is no casino in Istanbul, Ankara or Antalya. A listing that offers one is describing something illegal or something that closed in 1998.
- Hotel and resort literature sometimes still advertises gaming; check what is actually meant before booking on that basis.
- The nearest licensed European alternatives covered here are Greece and Malta.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there casinos in Turkey?
- No. They were closed by law with effect from 11 February 1998, and the ban has not been lifted.
- What gambling is legal in Turkey?
- State sports betting through Iddaa and the national lottery. Both are state-controlled; online casino play is prohibited.
- Why does Northern Cyprus have so many casinos?
- It permitted casinos from 1975 and expanded into the market Turkey's 1998 ban created. Turkish players are its largest customer base.
Legal age, regulator and the tax treatment of player winnings on this page were checked against the regulator's own material or a reputable legal summary in August 2026. Gambling law moves; confirm anything consequential with the regulator before relying on it. Where sources disagreed, this site leaves the figure out rather than guessing.