Culture and history

Gaming practices in Ottoman and modern Turkey have always balanced between folk entertainment and religious and moral restrictions.

Historically, "home" formats are popular - tawla (backgammon), okay and cards in kahvehane (coffee shops), as well as state lottery draws, especially New Year's.

From the second half of the 20th century, the culture of betting and betting on football and horse racing strengthened, while the casino segment faced social and regulatory pressure and was finally banned in the late 1990s.

This formed a model where lotteries and sports betting under state control are considered acceptable, and casino demand partially "goes" to neighboring destinations (for example, Northern Cyprus and Batumi).

Today, the cultural context remains conservative: an emphasis on responsibility, restraint in advertising and respect for religious feelings and family values, while popular sports culture maintains a steady interest in legal betting.