Casinos in Turkmenistan

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Overview

Turkmenistan is an isolated, mysterious country with strict regulations. Unknown to most, given the stringent rules regarding tourism in the country.

Geographically, Turkmenistan belongs to Central Asia and borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Once a part of the Soviet Union, and since 1991 an independent Republic, this country, when it comes to the arrangement and lifestyle of its citizens, is just as fascinating to the rest of the world as North Korea. The restrictions under which the people of this country currently live also apply to gambling - it is completely illegal to gamble in Turkmenistan.

Land-Based Gambling Laws in Turkmenistan

All gambling activities are strictly prohibited on the territory of Turkmenistan. This decision has been in force for several decades and was made in accordance with the political, economic, and religious situation in the country.

The ban was passed in 2000, by the decision of the then president Saparmurat Niyazov, who made the decision to stop all potential social vices. Bearing in mind that the majority of the country is of the Islamic religion, this decision was justified, also from a religious point of view. Also, the standard of living in the country is somewhat below average, so the legalization of land-based casinos did not even seem like an economically reasonable idea.

History of Gambling in Turkmenistan

Before the early 2000s, there were several land-based establishments on the territory of Turkmenistan, all located in the city of Ashgabat.

The contents of the casinos were available to the local population and tourists visiting the country, which, in those years, were in far greater numbers than today.

Current Situation

At the time of writing, no form of gambling, neither land-based nor online gambling, is allowed in Turkmenistan. Any illegal entry into the game may result in serious penalties; the state has zero tolerance towards gambling. There is no indication that the situation will change soon.

However, the state lottery is allowed. Citizens of Turkmenistan can legally buy lottery tickets, which are sold exclusively in places designated by the state. Also, prize funds, the price of tickets, the frequency of the lottery, and everything else related to the activity are under strict state regulation.

Tourism and Gambling

Considering the very strict rules under which the country and the population function, the state is not at all focused on the development of tourism. On the contrary, it is very difficult to obtain a visa to enter the country. According to some information, only a few dozen foreigners cross the border of the Republic of Turkmenistan legally every day. Similar to North Korea, the movements and activities of tourists during their stay in the country are strictly monitored and controlled.

Nevertheless, even though the entrance to the country is difficult, many are fascinated by the strangeness of this country, as well as many unique landscapes, some of which are under the protection of UNESCO. Kenya-Urgench, the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, and the State Historical and Cultural Park are the top three attractions of this Central Asian country. In addition to natural beauty, Turkmenistan captivates with unusual street scenes; did you know that almost all the cars on the streets of the capital are white? According to the belief of the former president of the country, the white color brings prosperity and symbolizes purity. This preference led to regulations mandating that cars in the capital, Ashgabat, be white.

Prohibition Of Gambling And Economic Consequences

Countries that have legalized land-based gambling, from this industry, on annual levels, collect significant income; the obvious question arises - why Turkmenistan does not approve land-based casinos? This country prioritizes cultural and religious values above economic benefits.

The mentioned values represent the core of society in this country and the main reason why such social activities as gambling are strictly prohibited among the population. In Turkmenistan, ideas about community, large, harmonious families, and responsible and dedicated work are cherished, which, according to the authorities, are incompatible with entertainment such as land-based gambling.

Comparison with North Korea

North Korea, in terms of political and social organization, the general lifestyle of the nation, is quite similar to the Turkmenistan system. However, land-based gambling is allowed in a few controlled locations, for tourists and visitors to the country. Why did North Korea agree to partially open the door to gambling? The reasons are of an economic nature, and again, closely (un)related to religion. North Korea has seen the financial benefits of legalizing land-based casinos; considering that tickets for casinos in this country are quite expensive, and the country is full of tourists, mainly from China, the annual income from this entertainment is not negligible. On the other hand, religion is not in the way of this decision. North Korea is, in theory, an atheist state, and any practice of religion is strictly prohibited. Therefore, the values of this country are not based on religious ideals, unlike Turkmenistan.

Comparison with Neighboring Countries

If we look at the bigger picture, the regional situation, without a doubt, the strictest laws regarding land-based gambling are applied in Turkmenistan. Surrounding countries, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, allow some forms of gambling. Although the mentioned countries are not favorable towards this activity, they have partially opened the door to betting. Turkmenistan, not only in the region but almost in the whole of Asia, has the most negative attitude towards gambling. Including China, where most gambling activities are prohibited, but possible in neighboring Hong Kong, and the Asian top destination for gambling - Macau. The state allows its citizens to gamble without any restrictions in the designated areas.

Conclusion

Gambling laws in Turkmenistan are straightforward and uncompromising. As we said, there is no indication that this situation will change; gambling is diametrically opposed to the values that the country cherishes. If you are looking for land-based entertainment, definitely skip Turkmenistan. However, if you want to see the world much differently than what you are probably used to - this country, next to North Korea, is truly unique. Rich history, breathtaking nature, rich Asian cuisine, and of course the everyday life of citizens, which is under the constant eye of the state... maybe this idea of life is not appealing to many, but it still can be a fascinating and valuable experience.