Background: Previous studies investigating the association between TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and gastric cancer (GC) risk in Asian population have reported controversial results. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted and 17 case-control studies were finally included, involving a total of 5,990 GC cases and 6,812 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed by the sample size. Results: Meta-analysis of all 17 studies showed variant genotypes of TP53 Arg72Pro to be associated with an elevated GC risk in three genetic comparison models ($OR_{Pro;vs.;Arg}$=1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.25, $P_{OR}$=0.01; $OR_{Homozygote;comparison;model}$=1.33, 95%CI 1.07-1.64, $P_{OR}$=0.009; $OR_{Dominant;genetic;model}$=1.13, 95%CI 1.05-1.22, $P_{OR}$=0.002). Besides, a more obvious association was observed after the heterogeneity was decreased (all P values less than 0.001). This association was further identified by both subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests the Pro variant of TP53 Arg72Pro contributes to gastric cancer risk in Asians.