Legal Betting in Uzbekistan

Review of Betting Legality in Uzbekistan

Betting in Uzbekistan has undergone significant changes in recent years, transitioning from a largely prohibited market to a regulated industry. This document examines the legality of betting, prominent bookmakers, local betting offices, market regulations, popular sports for betting, cultural attitudes toward gambling, and the economic impact of the betting industry. Key points and data are summarized in lists and tables.

Is Betting Legal in Uzbekistan

From 2007, gambling and betting activities, including sports betting, were banned in Uzbekistan, with the exception of government lotteries. A presidential decree in 2021 legalized betting and online gambling, effective January 1, 2022. Operators must obtain a license from the Agency for the Development of the Capital Market (ADCM) to offer online bookmaking and gambling services. The new framework aims to regulate the market, protect consumers, and generate tax revenue. Only licensed operators are permitted to provide betting services, ensuring measures like age verification and responsible gambling practices are in place.

Prior to 2022, betting occurred primarily through offshore websites, which were technically illegal but not actively blocked. The legalization has shifted focus to regulated domestic and international operators, creating a more transparent market.

Popular Betting Platforms

Since legalization, several platforms have gained prominence in Uzbekistan. International bookmakers such as Bet365 and 1xBet, previously operating in a semi-legal state, have acquired licenses to comply with regulations. These platforms offer extensive sports markets, live betting, and casino games. Local platforms like UzBet and MostBet have also emerged, providing user-friendly interfaces, Uzbek language support, and payment options like UzCard and Humo.

These platforms are recognized for their accessibility, competitive odds, and promotions. The rise of mobile apps has been significant, enabling users to place bets via smartphones. Licensed operators are required to implement user protection measures, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

Local Betting Offices

While online betting is the primary focus of the new regulations, local betting offices operate as part of the regulated market. These offices, often managed by licensed companies like UzBet or international firms with local partnerships, are located in major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. They cater to bettors who prefer in-person services, offering betting terminals, live sports streams, and customer support.

Local betting shops are subject to strict oversight by the ADCM, including regular audits to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. They must verify customer identities and maintain transaction records to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities.

Legislation Towards the Betting Market

The betting industry in Uzbekistan is governed by a legislative framework established following the 2021 presidential decree and regulations approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in December 2021. Key aspects include:

• Licensing Requirements: Operators must obtain a betting license from the ADCM, meeting stringent financial, technical, and responsible gambling standards.
• Player Safety: Licensed operators must implement age and identity verification (minimum age 18) and offer tools like betting limits and self-exclusion.
• Taxation: Operators are taxed at 10% of gross gaming revenue, while bettors’ winnings are tax-free.
• Prohibited Activities: Unlicensed gambling is illegal, with authorities monitoring and penalizing non-compliant operators. Unlicensed platforms are also barred from advertising.

These regulations aim to balance market growth with consumer protection and state revenue generation.

Best Sport Discipline for Bets

Betting preferences in Uzbekistan reflect the country’s cultural and sporting interests. Football is the most popular sport for betting, driven by the popularity of the Uzbekistan Super League and international tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup. Common bets include match outcomes, total goals, and player performances.

Traditional wrestling, particularly Kūresh, is also a significant betting market due to its cultural importance and national pride. Major Kūresh tournaments attract bets on individual matches and tournament winners. Basketball and volleyball are gaining traction among younger bettors, especially in urban areas, with live betting during matches being particularly popular.

Supplementary Information

• Average monthly betting expenditure per user is approximately UZS 500,000.
• Approximately two-thirds of gamblers in Uzbekistan are male.
• Preferred payment methods for online betting include UzCard and Humo.
• Licensed platforms prioritize live sports streaming.
• The gaming market in Uzbekistan is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 12% over the next five years.

Public Perceptions on Betting

Legalization has sparked mixed reactions in Uzbekistan, a predominantly Muslim country where gambling was traditionally viewed negatively due to religious and cultural norms. Urban youth are increasingly accepting of betting, while conservative communities associate it with social issues like addiction. The government promotes responsible gambling through public awareness campaigns to address these concerns, and acceptance is expected to grow as cultural attitudes evolve.

The Contribution of Betting Industry to Economy

The betting industry contributes to Uzbekistan’s economy through tax revenue, which supports public services such as education and infrastructure. It also creates jobs in areas like customer service and technology. The regulated market attracts foreign investment from international operators, boosting economic growth. However, government oversight is essential to prevent illicit financial activities and protect citizens from gambling-related debt.

Table of Betting Market Details

Conclusion

Since the legalization of betting on January 1, 2022, Uzbekistan has transformed its betting market into a regulated industry with significant potential for operators and bettors. Platforms like Bet365, 1xBet, UzBet, and MostBet, along with local betting offices, meet growing demand. The government’s focus on consumer protection and market integrity, coupled with the popularity of sports like football, wrestling, and boxing, drives the industry’s growth. As cultural attitudes evolve and the industry contributes to the economy, Uzbekistan must balance expansion with responsible gambling practices to ensure long-term sustainability.