North Cyprus is considering a significant shift in its gambling legislation that would, for the first time, allow Turkish Cypriot citizens holding a specific TRNC identity card to enter and gamble in casinos located within the territory. The proposal marks a potential end to the long-standing restriction that barred local residents from accessing casino facilities.
The draft bill, introduced by the ruling coalition government and revealed by opposition MP Salahi Sahiner of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), also includes sweeping reforms to existing casino regulations.
- Casino Access for TRNC Citizens: Local Turkish Cypriots with valid identity documentation would gain legal access to casinos for the first time.
- Automatic Casino Permits: Hotels with a capacity of 1,000 beds or more would be automatically eligible for casino permits.
- End to Casino Limit Per Company: The current cap of five casinos per operating company would be removed, opening the door for larger-scale gambling enterprises.
- Location Flexibility: The proposed changes would eliminate existing restrictions that prohibit casinos from being established near schools or within town and city centres.
MP Salahi Sahiner strongly criticised the bill, warning that the proposed amendments could weaken regulatory oversight and increase financial risk. He argued that the new provisions would facilitate delays in tax payments, reduce accountability, and disproportionately benefit casino operators at a time when many citizens face economic hardship.
Sahiner also pointed to the deteriorating state of public finances, noting that government borrowing has become increasingly necessary even for minor expenditures. He warned that such policies could deepen public distrust and exacerbate social tensions.
This proposal follows a series of controversial gambling-related legislative moves in North Cyprus. In April 2024, the government passed a motion to halve casino tax rates, positioning it as part of a broader tax reform package. More recently, in December, the parliament approved a betting levy aimed at supporting football clubs, a measure that also drew criticism for allegedly incentivising financial mismanagement.
If passed, the legislation would represent a fundamental shift in the country’s approach to gambling regulation, expanding access and potentially reshaping the casino sector’s role in the local economy. However, the proposal has already sparked political backlash and could face significant public resistance in the months ahead.