Games of chances and gambling in the Ottoman Empire (1800-1923)

In this study, the situation of the gambling and the games of chance in the Ottoman Empire, the changes and the effects that they had experienced were examined. While this was done, time limitations were made and the 1800-1923 time frame was taken as basis. The most important element of fun is the game. In the Ottoman Empire, it is seen that some of the games were mediated by gambling, and others were conducted for direct gambling. The gambling was an important element of the Ottoman Empire's fun life in the 19th century. The gambling existing in the previous has been increased and become more visible in this century. The games played, the players, the ones who are fighting against them and all those who are affected take attention by their different characteristics. The aim of this study is to reveal the gambling phenomenon in the studied time period in all its aspects. It is also to interpret the data obtained in both qualitative and quantitative way. In a term when the economy got stuck , lottery is emerged as an important resource. In the beginning, the state power, which was distant from it and did not approve much, changed this attitude over time. Lottery was one of the important issues inherited from the Ottoman State to the newly established Turkish state. Bingo, identified with New Year's Eve, became the most important gambling vehicle of the people living in Istanbul during the Armistice Period. Key words: The Ottoman Empire, gambling, lottery, bingo.