President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has endorsed a decree aimed at enhancing the regulation of lotteries and risk-based games in the country. Signed on April 19, the decree outlines plans to permit gambling and betting activities starting January 1, 2025.
Under the decree, the National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAPP) will assume responsibility as the authorized regulatory body for the industry. NAPP will oversee the licensing of online casino operators, bookmakers, and lottery providers. It's stipulated that governmental entities, organizations, and charitable foundations can only conduct lotteries through licensed organizers on a contractual basis.
Individuals aged 18 and above will be eligible to participate in bookmaking and gambling activities. Operators will be subject to a turnover tax of 4%, calculated based on total income after deducting winnings and returned bets. This move signals a significant shift in Uzbekistan's approach to gambling regulation and is poised to have notable implications for the country's gaming landscape.
