Sports betting became legal in Uzbekistan as of January 1, 2025, following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's decree that abolished the country's longstanding ban on gambling activities (1). The new legislation reverses restrictions that had been in place since September 2007, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for online risk games, bookmaking activities, and lottery operations. The National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP) has been designated as the authorized state body responsible for regulating and licensing all gambling activities in the country, including sports betting operations.
The decision to legalize sports betting was driven by practical considerations, as the previous ban proved largely ineffective in preventing citizen participation in illegal gambling activities (2). According to government estimates, Uzbek citizens were sending between $350 million to $1 billion annually to foreign gambling platforms, resulting in significant foreign currency outflows and exposing citizens to fraud risks. The new regulatory framework aims to address these issues by providing legal alternatives while implementing protective measures for vulnerable populations and generating additional tax revenue for the state budget.
"However, with citizen's steady interest in gambling, these bans are practically ineffective, and the population actively utilizes foreign and illegal services."
Under the new legal framework, only adults aged 18 and above, whether residents or non-residents of Uzbekistan, are permitted to engage in licensed betting activities (2). The government has established a 4% turnover tax on gaming organizers based on total income, net of winnings and returned bets, which is projected to generate approximately $6 million in additional annual tax revenue. NAPP maintains a Unified State Register of Players and Bettors to monitor participation and prevent problem gambling, while winners enjoy tax exemptions on their earnings for a five-year period to encourage participation in legal platforms over illegal alternatives.
Source:
https://napp.uz/en
https://www.gazeta.uz/en/2024/04/26/napp/
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
