Licensing of activities on organization of gambling, lotteries and bookmaking services in Uzbekistan

Since 2025, Uzbekistan has introduced a new procedure for licensing activities related to the organization of online gambling, lotteries and bookmaking. Regulation No. 3638, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on July 7, 2025, establishes clear regulations for companies wishing to legally operate in these areas. This step is part of comprehensive reforms in the field of digital economy, fiscal transparency and responsible gaming business.

1. Scope of regulation

The regulation applies to three categories of activities:

• organization of gambling via the Internet;
• holding lotteries;
• bookmaking activities.

All these types are subject to mandatory licensing, without which the conduct of the relevant activities is prohibited.

2. Candidates for obtaining a license

Licenses may be issued exclusively to legal entities - residents of Uzbekistan. A separate license must be obtained for each category of activity.

The license is valid for 5 years, with the possibility of renewal.

3. Financial and technical requirements

To ensure stability and responsibility of market participants, a number of mandatory requirements have been established:

Indicator	Gambling / Bookmakers	Lotteries
Authorized capital	not less than 150,000 BCV	not less than 55,000 BCV
Reserve fund	not less than 75,000 BCV	not less than 40,000 BCV
Server Locations	on the territory of Uzbekistan	on the territory of Uzbekistan
Use of borrowed funds	forbidden	forbidden

In addition, the applicant must confirm the origin of the funds, and its ultimate beneficiaries must not have ties to offshore zones or be subject to international sanctions.

4. Procedure for obtaining a license

The procedure is fully digitalized and includes the submission of a package of documents via an electronic platform. The application review period is up to 40 working days.

The license document is issued electronically and contains a QR code to confirm authenticity.

5. Prohibitions and restrictions

• The license cannot be transferred to third parties.
• It is prohibited to use names of government agencies, cities, and the word "national" in branding.
• A legal entity that has received a license may only carry out the specified activities.
• Advertising directed at minors and socially vulnerable groups is prohibited.

6. Control and responsibility

State bodies shall constantly monitor the activities of licensees. The grounds for refusal to issue or cancellation of a license may be:

• providing false information;
• failure to comply with licensing requirements;
• connections with criminal structures;
• repeated violations of the law.

In case of license revocation, re-submission is possible only after 3 years.

7. Transparency and registries

An electronic registry of licenses is maintained, which is publicly available and updated in real time. This ensures market transparency and trust among participants.

The introduction of a strict licensing procedure in the spheres of gambling, lotteries and bookmaking is an important step towards civilized regulation of the entertainment industry in Uzbekistan. Regulation No. 3638 forms the legal basis for ensuring fair competition, protecting consumer rights and combating financial crimes. Businesses that meet the new requirements are given the opportunity to operate in a legal field, attracting investment and forming a responsible gaming culture.

 

Fines for illegal gambling and lotteries in Uzbekistan

On July 7, 2025, Regulation No. 3643 was registered, approved by the Director of the National Agency for Perspective Projects of Uzbekistan. The document establishes the procedure for imposing fines on organizers of gambling, lotteries and bookmaking activities on the Internet, as well as on foreign legal entities illegally providing such services to residents of Uzbekistan.

Basis for adoption of the regulation

The regulation was developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated April 19, 2024 No. PD-68 and the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated December 6, 2024 No. 814. The goal is to improve the regulation of gambling and strengthen control over compliance with the law.

Basic Provisions

Who is subject to fines?

1. Organizers of gambling, lotteries and bookmaking activities operating on the Internet.
2. Foreign legal entities providing services to residents of Uzbekistan without a license.

Controlling bodies

Fines are imposed by the National Agency for Perspective Projects based on:

• data from checks,
• reports,
• citizens' appeals,
• information from operators of the Unified Register of Betting and Players.

 

Amounts and types of fines

For organizers in Uzbekistan

Fines are set as a percentage of the authorized (charter) capital. Types of violations:

• Violations of licensing requirements - up to 1%.
• Illegal identification of players, accepting bets without connecting to the register - 0.4–0.8%.
• Violations of requirements for IT systems and personal data protection - up to 1%.
• Serving minors, their participation in games - up to 1%.
• Advertising violations - up to 1%.

For foreign companies

Fines are calculated in basic calculation value (BCV):

• Operating without a license - 25,000 BCV.
• Acceptance of funds - 10,000 BCV.
• Violation of storage and use of personal data - 15,000 BCV.
• Organization of gambling halls - 25,000 BCV.
• Violations of the law on combating money laundering and terrorism - 15,000 BCV.

 

Procedure for considering cases

• The decision to impose a fine is made by the Director of the Agency or his deputy on the recommendation of the working committee.
• Interested parties have the right to participate in the meetings.
• Fines are paid within 15 days. In case of refusal – collection through the court.

 

Appealing decisions

• The Agency's decisions can be appealed to the Appeals Board or to the court within 15 days.
• Until the complaint is considered, payment of the fine is suspended.

Regulation No. 3643 strengthens control over gambling activities and protects citizens' rights. It also serves as a tool to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and consumer rights violations. Foreign companies that work with residents of Uzbekistan without permission now bear serious financial responsibility.