Sports betting and gambling activities are strictly prohibited in Tajikistan under national legislation. The government implemented a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling in 2011, including casinos, sports betting parlors, and related activities (1). This ban was justified based on concerns about social impacts and the need to protect citizens from potential gambling-related harm. The Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan provides the legal framework for these prohibitions and establishes penalties for violations.
The legal landscape in Tajikistan presents a complex situation regarding online gambling enforcement. While land-based gambling establishments are clearly prohibited and actively monitored by authorities, online gambling exists in a regulatory gray area (2). The government has not established specific licensing frameworks for digital gambling operations, and internet censorship primarily focuses on political and religious content rather than gambling sites. However, this does not make online sports betting legal, as the existing prohibitions technically extend to all forms of gambling activities.
"Gambling is officially banned in the country, while online control and blocking of websites is quite weak. Betting attracts decent audiences as betting can be done through both legal and foreign bookmakers."
Despite the official prohibitions, enforcement challenges persist due to limited internet infrastructure and regulatory oversight capabilities (1). Many citizens access offshore betting platforms through internet cafes or mobile devices, operating in a legal gray zone where prosecution is rare but not impossible. The government maintains its official stance that all gambling remains illegal, regardless of whether conducted online or offline, but practical enforcement limitations mean that individuals using foreign betting sites face minimal immediate legal consequences while still technically violating national law.
Source:
https://bwcimplementation.org/sites/default/files/resource/TJ_Criminal%20Code%20of%20Rep%20of%20Tajikistan_EN.pdf
https://3snet.info/en/reviews/how-to-promotw-online-betting-and-gambling-in-tajikistan/
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
