Lottery tickets have ambiguous legal status in Turkmenistan under conflicting regulatory frameworks. According to the Law on Licensing of Certain Types of Activities of December 13, 2019, licenses for organizing and conducting lotteries (except state lotteries) can be obtained from the Ministry of Economy. However, more recent reports indicate that all forms of gambling activities, including lotteries, sports betting, and casino games, are banned under strictly enforced government prohibitions (1).
The Ministry of National Security plays a crucial role in monitoring gambling-related activities, enforcing anti-gambling laws throughout the country. The Administrative Offences Code Article 357 addresses violations of gambling rules, imposing fines ranging from one to seven times the base amount for organizing gambling activities in violation of legislation. Despite theoretical licensing provisions, no commercial or charitable exemptions exist, and no regulatory framework permits legal gambling services (2).
"In accord with the law in action, all forms of gambling activities are banned in Turkmenistan, including casino games, lotteries, sports bets, and online gambling."
The legislation deals exclusively with land-based gambling regulation, with no information available about companies that have obtained gambling licenses. Online gambling is strictly prohibited, with heavy internet restrictions blocking access to foreign gambling sites. The government enforces strict anti-gambling policies reflecting cultural values and commitment to public morality, with severe punishments including fines and imprisonment for those organizing or participating in illegal gambling (2).
Source:
https://3snet.info/en/reviews/how-to-promote-online-betting-and-gambling-in-turkmenistan/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-turkmenistan/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
