Deputies pass law allowing online gambling in Uzbekistan

Bookmaking activities have been legalized in Uzbekistan.

On January 14, a law was adopted at a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis to legalize betting activities in Uzbekistan. According to the document, online gambling and betting activities will be allowed from January 1, 2025.

The law provides for the regulation of the betting industry, issuance of licenses, maintaining a list of citizens restricted from participating in gambling, and taking measures against gambling addiction. It also establishes mechanisms for imposing restrictions on illegal gambling services on the Internet.

MP Ilhom Abdullaev considered it inappropriate to start gambling and bookmaking activities without regulating advertising, and proposed imposing restrictions on the time and place of advertising.

The bill passed its first reading with 120 MPs in favor and 10 against. The law was also approved in the second and third readings. The National Revival Party initially opposed the law, but supported it because of the need to strengthen control and regulation.

According to the law, the license term for companies organizing betting activities must be 5 years, and the authorized capital must be at least 56.25 billion soums.