Several studies have investigated the association between the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene +896A/G polymorphism and gastric carcinogenesis, including gastric cancer and precancerous gastric lesions. However, published results are inconsistent. So, we performed a meta-analysis to assess whether the TLR4 +896A/G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a risk factor in gastric cancer development. We searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies that reported the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the association between the TLR4 +896A/G SNP and the risk of gastric cancer and/or precancerous lesions with the last update of November 2012. Data were analyzed using Review Manager (Version 5.1), and publication bias was estimated. We included 10 study populations, comprising 2,233 cases and 2,849 controls from 8 publications. The pooled OR was 2.00 (95 % CI = 1.59-2.53) for the G allelic model. Analysis stratified by different stages and anatomic sites of neoplasia resulted in a significantly increased risk associated with gastric cancer (OR = 1.87, 95 % CI = 1.44-2.44), especially the non-cardia subtype (OR = 2.03, 95 % CI = 1.51-2.72). Besides, the G allele emerged as a strong risk factor for precancerous gastric lesions (OR = 2.47, 95 % CI = 1.57-3.88). A subsequent subgroup analysis by Helicobacter pylori-positive ratio in cases (>80 %) indicated an enhancement in the association with precancerous lesions (OR = 3.43, 95 % CI = 1.92-6.13). The TLR4 +896A/G SNP is a risk factor in gastric carcinogenesis, especially in H. pylori-infected patients with precancerous lesions.