New regulations to govern lotteries and bookmaking in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has adopted a resolution to regulate the organization and conduct of lotteries and gambling games, paving the way for the legalization of bookmaking. This decision was made on December 6, following the Presidential Decree “On measures to improve the regulation of the organization and conduct of lotteries and gambling games.”

A single-state register of bets and games will be introduced as part of the regulatory framework. This register will include detailed information about players, any restrictions imposed on participation, financial transaction records, and limits on the amount of money that can be spent on games.

To ensure compliance with the law, organizers of bookmaking and lottery activities will be required to meet specific financial criteria. The authorized capital for a bookmaking organizer must be at least 150,000 times the minimum wage, amounting to 56.25 billion soums. Similarly, the authorized capital for lottery organizers is set at 55,000 times the minimum wage or 20.625 billion soums.

A licensing fee structure has also been established. To obtain a license for bookmaking activities, applicants must pay a fee equivalent to 500 times the minimum wage (187.5 million soums). If changes to the license are required, 50% of the original licensing fee is charged. Additionally, lottery organizers must transfer 0.1% of their game volume to the account of the licensing authority.

These regulations will come into effect after amendments and additions are made to the Law “On Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures,” specifically addressing the licensing of bookmaking activities.