Northern Cyprus parliament passes controversial law to ease restrictions on Casino amid heated debate

The 'parliament' of northern Cyprus passed a contentious law early Tuesday morning easing restrictions on casino operations, despite fierce opposition protests over its potential social and legal consequences.

The new legislation removes previous caps on the number of casinos allowed, permits them to be built as close as 100 metres to schools, and raises the hotel room requirement for operating casinos from 500 to 750 beds. It also downgrades the longstanding ban on Turkish Cypriots entering casinos from a criminal to a civil offence—punishable by a €50 fine.

Critics, particularly from the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), lambasted the law as a social and moral failure. CTP ‘MP’ Fikri Toros warned it could lead to increased gambling addiction and criminal activity, calling the relaxed penalty for Turkish Cypriot gamblers a “symbolic invitation” to gamble.

CTP’s Salahi Sahiner sharply criticized the provision allowing casinos near schools, saying, “You are knowingly opening the door to societal collapse.” He predicted the number of casinos could rise from 32 to 100 in the coming years, accusing the government of using gambling revenue to paper over financial woes.

Dogus Derya questioned whether the TRNC was being turned into a hub for money laundering, citing concerns over operating outside international law. Sami Ozuslu warned of a shift in the region’s identity, declaring, “You say ‘we’ve arrived at casinoland’ when you land at the airport.”

‘Finance minister’ Ozdemir Berova defended the bill, insisting it would improve oversight and boost public revenue. He denied widespread casino-linked gambling addiction and said the government was working with Turkey’s financial crime board (MASAK) to uphold legal standards. When questioned on the religious hypocrisy of the law given close ties with Turkey's Islamist ruling party, Berova declined to respond.

Emotions ran high throughout the late-night debate. In a heated exchange, Berova told CTP ‘MP’ Ongun Talat to “f*ck off” following an impassioned critique. The ruling coalition left the chamber earlier in the evening to attend Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s re-election launch before returning to finalize the vote.

The law was passed just after 3 a.m., prompting widespread condemnation from opposition members who accused the ruling coalition of prioritizing profit over the public good and undermining social values.