The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) has been designated as the primary licensing authority, responsible for issuing five-year licences for online gambling, betting, and lottery operators.
Uzbekistan has announced a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gambling and lotteries, signaling a major shift in its approach to digital gaming activities.
The new regulations, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 6 December, will come into effect on 1 January 2025. The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) has been designated as the primary licensing authority, responsible for issuing five-year licences for online gambling, betting, and lottery operators.
Operators must meet significant financial requirements, with online gambling and betting platforms mandated to maintain an authorised capital of 56.25bn soums ($4.4m) and a reserve fund of 28.125bn soums. Lottery operators face slightly lower financial thresholds.
Key provisions of the regulations include:
- Mandatory use of Uzbekistan’s national internet domain.
- Certification of all gaming software.
- Robust player verification processes.
- Creation of a Unified State Register of Bets and Players to monitor gambling activities.
Strict participation rules are also enforced, prohibiting gambling for individuals under 18 years of age and other restricted categories. Additionally, betting on local events and youth sports is explicitly banned.
The NAPP will oversee compliance, with the power to impose fines on operators failing to adhere to regulations, including foreign companies offering services to Uzbek residents.
To ensure readiness by 1 January 2025, the NAPP will finalize all regulatory documents and establish monitoring mechanisms. This will involve close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Central Bank, and Tax Committee.
Uzbekistan’s new framework marks a decisive step toward regulating and controlling its online gambling market while prioritizing compliance and player protection.