Since then, gambling in Turkey has been restricted primarily to the state-run lottery and sports betting operated by the Spor Toto Organization.ĭespite the strict regulations, illegal gambling remains an issue in Turkey, with underground casinos and online gambling sites still operating.
In 1997, Turkey enacted a law that banned all casinos, leading to the closure of many establishments. However, in the 1990s, the government started to crack down on gambling activities due to concerns over addiction and negative social impact. In the early years of the Republic of Turkey, established in 1923, gambling was legal and played an important role in the country's entertainment scene. However, the legality of gambling has undergone significant changes throughout Turkey's history. Gambling has long been a part of Turkish culture, with traditional card games and other forms of gambling dating back centuries.