Sports betting and gambling activities in Turkmenistan exist in a complex regulatory environment where land-based operations are permitted under specific conditions while online gambling remains officially prohibited. The Criminal Code of Turkmenistan establishes the legal framework for various criminal activities but does not explicitly criminalize all forms of gambling (1). Two major gambling laws enacted in 2008 and 2016 created distinctions between land-based and online gambling, with traditional casino operations and betting shops being legally authorized to operate in specific locations including Ashgabat, the capital city.
Online gambling, including sports betting platforms, was declared illegal under the Law on Advertising adopted in 2016, which specifically prohibits gambling advertisements and digital gambling services (2). Despite these restrictions, enforcement remains challenging due to limited internet infrastructure and regulatory oversight capabilities. The country's internet access is heavily controlled and available only to a small fraction of the population, making widespread monitoring of online gambling activities practically difficult for authorities to implement effectively.
"Online gambling is officially illegal since 2016, according to the Law on Advertising, which also prohibits gambling advertisements. Turkmenistan ranks among the most repressive and closed societies."
The current legal status creates a practical distinction between regulated land-based gambling and prohibited online sports betting in Turkmenistan (1). Citizens seeking to engage in sports betting face restrictions on digital platforms while having access to licensed physical betting establishments within the country. The Criminal Code provides general principles for criminal liability and punishment but does not contain specific provisions targeting individual gamblers, focusing instead on criminal activities related to unauthorized gambling operations. This regulatory framework reflects the government's approach of maintaining controlled gambling activities while restricting digital access to protect citizens from potential online gambling-related issues.
Source:
https://cis-legislation.com/document.fwx?rgn=2483
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-turkmenistan/
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
