The government of Uzbekistan has moved to crack down on unregulated gambling months before the nation opens its doors for a legal market. New regulations outlining penalties for illegal activity have been rolled out.
Uzbekistan is tightening its grip on illegal gambling as it gets ready to roll out a regulated betting market on 9 October 2025. The government has revised its Penal Code to introduce tougher penalties for unlicensed gambling activity.
These changes were introduced by the National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), the body steering the new gambling law. Both local organizers and foreign companies targeting Uzbek players without permission now face fines. These penalties will be calculated using the country’s Base Calculation Unit (BRV).
Uzbekistan has announced strict penalties for foreign operators offering gambling without approval. Offenders may face fines as high as 25,000 BRV (roughly €753,000). Authorities can block internet and banking access and seize illegal profits in serious cases.
These penalties also apply to illegal land-based casinos, betting shops, and mobile terminals. Violations of anti-money laundering or data privacy rules carry a 15,000 BRV fine (about €452,000). Companies entering the legal market must show strong finances. This includes capital of up to €3.9 million and reserve funds to ensure winnings can be paid out.
Uzbekistan’s move to legalize gambling has been under discussion since 2019. There have been many debates in parliament. In 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stepped in directly and gave the green light to launch a regulated gambling system. He assigned the National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) to lead the effort.
This move came with the condition that income from gambling would support sports facilities and athletic programs. A major part of the plan is a central system that will track all gambling activity. It’s called the Unified State Register of Bets and Players (USRBP), and it will be responsible for recording player data, bets, and winnings in real time.
The new gambling law gives full authority to the country’s gambling agency to regulate and enforce the rules. This agency’s Sanctions Commission will review the case, and its director will decide the penalty for any business that breaks the law. Offenders will be formally notified within three working days and given 15 days to appeal to the agency’s internal appeal board or through the civil courts.
Half of all fines will go to the National Budget. The rest will fund the agency’s operations. But paying a fine doesn’t protect a company from facing further legal action. The agency made it clear: this isn’t a pay-to-play system. It’s about following the rules and being transparent with money.
Gambling was completely banned in Uzbekistan back in 2007, except for state-run lotteries. The 2025 reforms mark a major shift to fully open the market. They’re also meant to manage and tax activity that has existed in the shadows for years.
The government explained that the new rules aim to bring gambling into the formal economy. They’re also aimed at improving anti-money laundering efforts and boosting public funds. Licensing details will be announced soon, with applications starting before October.
In 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the start of legal gambling and asked NAPP to lead the process. He made it clear that money from gambling must support sports facilities and athletics programs.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
