According to a report from the parliament’s press service, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis deputies have approved a draft law to legalise gambling in Uzbekistan.
The proposed legislation includes creating a registry to track Uzbeks who are addicted to gambling and establishing regulations for the operation of online casinos, bookmakers, and lotteries.
The deputies emphasised that this new law will enable better monitoring of gambling organisers in the country.
The government approved guidelines for bookmakers to operate legally in December last year. To enter the market in Uzbekistan, they must obtain a permit and maintain an authorised capital of 56 billion soums. Additionally, bookmakers must be registered in Uzbekistan.
The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) will issue these permits. Only adults, Uzbeks and foreigners can participate in risky games.
The National Agency for the Prevention of Commerce and Industry and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office will oversee bookmaking and related activities.
