TRNC parliament approves landmark Games of Chance Amendment Bill
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Parliament approved controversial amendments to the Games of Chance law in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a marathon session filled with heated debates and strong opposition from lawmakers. The landmark legislation represents the most significant overhaul of Northern Cyprus gambling regulations in decades, with critics warning of serious social and economic consequences. The new law removes critical restrictions that have governed casino operations for years, including proximity limits to schools and urban centers, while downgrading the long-standing ban on Turkish Cypriots entering casinos from a criminal offense to a civil violation, which carries a meagre €50 fine.
Key provisions transform casino landscape
Provisions that casino operators have been pushing for are now part of the new law, one of which is the previous five-casino limit per company, potentially opening the floodgates for unlimited expansion by major operators. Hotels with 750 or more beds can now automatically receive casino permits, down from the previous 1,000-room requirement, making it easier for tourism establishments to integrate gambling facilities.
Perhaps most controversially, the new law allows casinos to be constructed within 100 meters of schools, sparking outrage from opposition lawmakers who fear the impact on children. CTP MP Salahi Sahiner warned during debates, “Do you want children to become addicted to gambling? You are having casinos opened right next to schools”. The legislation also removes geographical restrictions that previously prevented casinos from operating near town and city centres, fundamentally altering the urban landscape of Northern Cyprus. Industry observers predict these changes could see the current number of 32 casinos double to around 60 establishments within the next few years.
Economic promise vs. social concerns
Supporters of the legislation, primarily from the ruling National Unity Party (UBP), argue the changes will significantly boost Northern Cyprus’s economy. As reported by Newswire, Economy Minister Olgun Amcaoglu projects that up to 32 new casinos could create at least 28,000 jobs, nearly doubling the current tourism sector employment. “This situation is a great opportunity for the country’s economy,” Amcaoglu stated, comparing Northern Cyprus to successful service economies like Malta.
The casino industry in numbers:
- generates approximately $800 million annually for Northern Cyprus,
- 85% of casino revenues come from international visitors,
- casino-related tourism boosts hotel occupancy rates by 65% during peak seasons.
However, opposition parties have raised serious concerns about the social implications. Studies indicate that 2.2% of TRNC residents already suffer from pathological gambling addiction, with 34.4% experiencing gambling-related problems. CTP MP Fikri Toros warned that while casinos contribute economically, “they also bring about serious social problems, such as gambling addictions and an increase in criminal activities”.
Opposition warnings and regulatory concerns
The legislation has faced scathing criticism from opposition lawmakers who question the timing and motivations behind the changes. SOme have argued that the government may be prioritising casino interests while citizens struggle financially,. The are also concerns about money laundering, questioning whether casinos could become a laundering hub in a region that operates outside international law.
In 2024, the TRNC government halved casino tax rates last year from 10% to 5%, a move that critics argued primarily benefited casino operators rather than addressing the region’s financial difficulties. The combination of reduced taxes and relaxed regulations has led opposition lawmakers to accuse the government of prioritising casino profits over public welfare.
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