Ban on national lottery ticket sales in front of mosques in Istanbul

A circular regarding the sale of national lottery tickets has been issued by the Istanbul Governor's Office. The circular stated that with the approach of the new year, there has been an increase in the sale of national lottery tickets and other games of chance, and that it is understood from complaints received by the Governor's Office that these sales are also taking place in mosque courtyards and in front of places of worship.

The circular, which states that procedures regarding ticket sales, draws, prize payments, and operations concerning main dealers and dealers related to lottery activities are determined by the National Lottery Administration's Regulation on Ticket Sales, Draws, and Prizes, noted: "Mosques, which are places of worship, are places that people of all ages, men and women, young and old, can easily visit and perform their worship, and it is essential that mosques are used as centers for worship, education, training, and culture. In order to ensure that our citizens can benefit from mosques to the maximum extent and perform their worship in peace, the sale of national lottery tickets and other games of chance will not be permitted in mosque courtyards, entrances, or gardens. I kindly request that the necessary measures be taken and inspections increased by local governments, general law enforcement, and municipal police units under the coordination of our district governors, and that no disruptions be allowed in the implementation."