Uzbekistan is laying the groundwork for a regulated online gambling and lottery market. A new resolution, adopted on December 6th and publicly announced on December 12th, details the licensing rules and financial prerequisites for organisers. Starting January 1, 2025, companies interested in online gambling, betting, and lotteries must secure licenses and adhere to rigorous regulations.
The changes follow an April presidential decree that officially legalised online gambling activities in the country. Now, with a clear framework in place, the government has signalled its intent to tightly control the sector while addressing public concerns.
License Costs and Key Regulations for Operators
Licenses to operate online gambling and lotteries will be issued by the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP), Uzbekistan’s appointed regulatory body. The validity period for these licenses is five years. For companies entering the market, the fee to obtain a license is set at 18.75 million soums (around $1,500), while modifications to an existing license will cost 9.375 million soums (approximately $730).
Additionally, operators must abide by strict technological and geographic restrictions.
- Services can only be offered through domains registered within Uzbekistan’s national internet segment.
- Gaming software, including random number generators, must be certified by authorised testing laboratories approved by NAPP.
Operators will need to tread carefully, as compliance monitoring will be a major focus of NAPP, with financial penalties in place for those failing to meet regulations.
Hefty Financial Requirements for Organisers
The financial obligations for organisers are substantial, reflecting the government’s intention to prioritise responsible and secure operations. The requirements include both authorised capital and mandatory reserve funds:
| Activity | Authorised Capital | Reserve Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Online Gambling & Betting | 56.25 billion soums ($4.4m) | 28.125 billion soums ($2.2m) |
| Lotteries | 20.625 billion soums ($1.6m) | 15 billion soums ($1.2m) |
In the case of lottery ticket revenues, the government has imposed clear prize distribution rules:
- Traditional lotteries must allocate at least 50% of income to prizes.
- Electronic lotteries face a higher threshold, requiring 75% of income to be directed toward player winnings.
These requirements ensure that both financial security and player trust are prioritised.
Mandatory Identity Verification for Participants
The new regulations don’t just focus on organisers—players must also meet specific criteria. Participation in online gambling or lotteries will only be legal through licensed platforms, where all participants are subject to identity verification.
Verification will include cross-referencing personal details, such as photo identification, with government databases. This process aims to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with local laws.
The government has also introduced restrictions:
- Gambling is strictly prohibited for individuals under 18.
- Certain citizens, based on age, health, or income status, will also be barred.
- Individuals self-reporting gambling addiction or under court-ordered restrictions will be added to a list of prohibited participants.
No Physical Casinos or Local Betting on Youth Sports
The Cabinet of Ministers has ruled out physical gambling venues, such as casinos and slot machine halls, except for designated lottery ticket sales points. Additionally, betting on local events or youth sports is prohibited, although wagers on international competitions are permitted.
Payments made for gambling participation from bank accounts or cards belonging to minors are also strictly forbidden.
A Unified State Register of Bets and Players will track all player activities, restrictions, and transaction limits, ensuring robust oversight.
NAPP to Monitor and Enforce Compliance
To enforce these measures, NAPP will closely monitor foreign entities offering gambling services to Uzbek residents. Non-compliant operators will face fines, with 50% of penalties directed to NAPP for further regulatory activities.
Organisers must also meet ownership transparency standards, with regulations prohibiting individuals linked to financial crimes or past violations from holding leadership positions.
Collaborative Efforts to Prevent Illegal Operations
The responsibility for compliance will be shared across multiple Uzbek institutions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Central Bank, and the Tax Committee will work together to crack down on unlicensed operators and prevent illegal gambling.
NAPP, meanwhile, must finalise its procedures for digital identification, licensing, and monitoring by January 1, 2025.
The push to regulate gambling comes at a time when governments across Central Asia are grappling with how to control—and benefit from—this lucrative industry. For Uzbekistan, these measures reflect a balancing act between economic opportunity and social responsibility.
