“Government Bill regarding Application of Amendments on Certain Laws with Law on Arrangement of Book Making on Football Contests” recently proposed in Turkey lead to huge disagreement. In accordance with it all the operations of gaming companies, either domestic or foreign, should be authorized by the Turkish government. Otherwise, they can face imprisonment and fines. Moreover, participation, promotion or facilitation in these activities is also subject to criminal investigation.

As a result, the Bill has become the cause of constant attacks and criticism. Attorney Dr. Ola Wiklund, Attorney at Wistrand Law Firm, Stockholm and an Associate Professor at Stockholm University, is one of many who cannot stand but comment on the egaming law. He called it “a disproportionate and misguided challenge to the constitutional principles of free trade enshrined in EU law”. He considers it to be totally unacceptable. Dr. Ola Wiklund is sure that the purpose of the Bill is to increase the State’s income from gambling, at the same time it allows “the private shareholders of the State controlled undertakings to benefit”.

There is one more thing that might worry Europeans – the Bill may deter the integration process between Turkey and Europe.