Uzbekistan has legalized gambling.

[GreatArkansas]

Uzbekistan Is a Muslim country. Almost 95% of people living in the country are Muslims. This is the first time I am seeing something like this. I mean a Muslim country legalizing gambling for the whole country and not just for tourists and some places. Although, it is worth knowing that gambling was made legal on July 31, 2026 in the country.

I'm not that shocked. I already saw some Muslim majority countries treat gambling more like a government / tax thing than a total ban forever. Once they need budget, religion goes to the side.
This is really difficult to discuss if you want to include gambling + religion.

[Charles-Tim]

I'm not that shocked. I already saw some Muslim majority countries treat gambling more like a government / tax thing than a total ban forever. Once they need budget, religion goes to the side.
This is really difficult to discuss if you want to include gambling + religion.

I am not also surprised, but just that this is the first time I saw news that a Muslim country legalized gambling fully. There are some Muslim countries like Turkey and Lebanon that gambling is legal. Also there was a time we discussed about UAE that gambling is legal to some extent in the country. There are some Muslim countries that gambling is legal in one way or the other.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

There are restrictions on who can play: minors, persons recognized as incompetent, certain categories of civil servants, and those included in special social registries are prohibited from participating. Currently, two Russian gambling companies operate in the country: Olimpbet (olimpbet.uz) and Aurum Vale (oltinbet.uz).
However, analysts note the lack of transparency in the licensing process and the practice of forcing "partners" to complete the process. Furthermore, this is a relatively new type of licensed activity, which could lead to the emergence of addictive gamblers.

And for sure the main reason why they legalized it is for tax purposes as they could get a lot of taxes specially if a huge company decided to put up a traditional and land base casinos inside the country. And there could be jobs generated from it which is good overall.

But on the other hand, the government should have at least take into consideration that their population might fall into gambling addiction. So the question is that if they are ready for it and not that it's just one sided for the government to benefit from gambling that's why they make it legal.

[Perfectbaby]

This is good News anyway. But I want to know about those who can not gamble there, again how do they explain by minors. Because most at time you can't use someone phycological appearance to judged their cases being minors or not.
For me, to judged this expression is for them to issues an age limits where either some certain people who are in bracket to certain age would not gamble. With this action the minors could know their limits and range to gamble.
Anyway, it's a welcomed development.

[Synchronice]

As far as I know, Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, but apparently the religious leaders have no influence there, otherwise they would not have allowed the approval of such a law concerning the legalization of gambling.

It is good that the law prohibits minors and government employees from gambling, but I did not understand what "persons recognized as incompetent" means. This phrase can be interpreted in many ways; the law needs to be more specific.

Honestly, what's the point of banning gambling? The country will only lose a lot of profit because those who want to gamble, gamble anyway, doesn't matter whether they are Muslim or not. Lots of Muslims travel in other countries to gamble and leave millions of dollars profit in other countries. Why to do that when if you allow your Muslim citizens to gamble in your own country, you'll fill the budget of the government, that can later be used for improving infrastructure, healthcare and so on.

I like what Uzbekistan did, it's a progressive thinking and it will only economically benefit the country.

[angrybirdy]

As far as I know, Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, but apparently the religious leaders have no influence there, otherwise they would not have allowed the approval of such a law concerning the legalization of gambling.

It is good that the law prohibits minors and government employees from gambling, but I did not understand what "persons recognized as incompetent" means. This phrase can be interpreted in many ways; the law needs to be more specific.

In my opinion, the legalization of gambling in Uzbekistan is an indication of the fact that religion does not affect policy-making decisions of the government... So, despite the fact that some people may express their worries about such decision, it is the government that is responsible for making the relevant decisions. Although I think that the ban on gambling for minors and government workers is a positive thing, there is one more detail that should be specified in the law. Namely, it is necessary to specify which people can be considered legally incompetent.

[Chibit01]

I did not even expect a country like Uzbekistan to make such a bold regulation in placing gambling. Considering that almost 90% of the country is Muslim, and where gambling is strictly prohibited in the rules of the religion. Isn't this usually a pretty sensitive issue especially the country as a whole?

This could not have been possible if it was during Islam's Karimov's leadership when the country was listed as the most problematic country based on religious tolerance. Since Mirziyoyev became the president, a lot have been a bit friendly. The country is no longer as strict as they said with their religious practices, at least the laws are not just being made or bent to favour its Muslim people. Other religions who are in the country who like gambling will see this move as being in their favour.

[danherbias07]

From the sound of it, it seems like they need an overhaul of their laws about gambling activities. If it is meant to create taxes, then it had better be done legally, and the gambling sites that opened need to follow those rules.
It's nice that they are thinking about the well-being of minors and others who should not be gambling. But this will all be unobserved if they are not strict about it.

Legal, regulated, licensed. There will always be groups who would try to create gambling sites the illegal way, and I hope they are ready to face them. Some countries are flooded by illegal online casinos and that's because their government are not doing anything about it.

[TopTort777]

As far as I know, Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, but apparently the religious leaders have no influence there, otherwise they would not have allowed the approval of such a law concerning the legalization of gambling.

I dont want to sound bad, but people always manage to find a loophole in religion. Gambling is haram, in UAE it is forbidden, but it is allowed to run raffles. Gambling is forbidden, but they in UAE are building Wynn Al Marjan Island, as a special place to gamble. Same goes with fighting. Quran does not allow it, but allow only self-defense, however look at how popular and developed combat sport is in UAE. Uzbekistan most likely will create a special zone or place that only there gambling will be allowed or allowed companies to register. People will find in religion saying something about special place and will use that as excuse for legalization.

[Hatchy]

With the rise of online technologies, it seems it's either you legalize it or they continue operating illegally. In which case, you better open the market, earn from it, and regulate it as you see fit.

Especially if the country isn't extremely strict in its implementation, illegal gambling will always find a way to operate, therefore addiction and other social illness would continue to plague the nation, and you might not have the necessary cure or defenses since gambling is illegal.

I can only hope the restrictions in Uzbekistan are seriously implemented.

While some governments fight against gambling because of its risky and addictive nature, others continue to legalize it. Despite its negative effects on society, the gambling industry also offers some benefits to governments, especially through tax revenue and attracting foreign visitors. Some tourists may prefer countries with fewer regulations and restrictions on gambling.

 legalizing gambling should not mean allowing everyone to participate without restrictions. At least, there should be strict rules against underage gambling, which is one of the major concerns of many governments. Anyone under the age of 18 should not be allowed to gamble because of the risks involved. Gambling at such a young age can expose them to addiction, financial problems, and other consequences that could negatively affect their future.

[Bryan jessy]

Legalizing gambling is not bad at all, I know whenever we hear such update as legalizing gambling people are also scared because they fell it will promote gambling addiction, to be honest whether gamble is operated legally or illegally there will still be gambling addiction, the only way to stop the increase rate of gambling addiction is through prohibition of underage gambling and to ban gamblers who gamble irresponsibly, just as this casino has stated and if eventually all other casinos stick to their rules on preventing underage from gambling the addiction rate will be reduced.

[Bigjoe33]

With the rise of online technologies, it seems it's either you legalize it or they continue operating illegally. In which case, you better open the market, earn from it, and regulate it as you see fit.

Especially if the country isn't extremely strict in its implementation, illegal gambling will always find a way to operate, therefore addiction and other social illness would continue to plague the nation, and you might not have the necessary cure or defenses since gambling is illegal.

I can only hope the restrictions in Uzbekistan are seriously implemented.

Every government wants money in form of revenue, so they may not easily turn blind eyes.  Legalizing gambling makes it easy for the government to make more money, even they are aware of the consequences some other country face.

Well, if they are able to carry out there laws on the proposed restrictions, then maybe it will yield more good for the country. We know that the major negative impact of gambling is addiction. For addiction, many countries that adopted legal gambling licencing are trying to see how they can curb the menace. As much as they try, they continue to discover addiction has eaten dip into the society. Thus, contacting addiction is difficult. So, Uzbekistan should do well implementation of there restriction policies to enable them control it.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

Considering that almost 90% of the country is Muslim, and where gambling is strictly prohibited in the rules of the religion. Isn't this usually a pretty sensitive issue especially the country as a whole?

Is there any world religion that teaches that gambling is a good practice and so encourages its followers to start gambling? Sometimes, people sound as if it's just Muslim religion that doesn't support gambling meanwhile other religion too doesn't support it. Even though the country has more of Muslims, it's not even all these Muslims that are against gambling, most of them could be gambling in some offshore casinos without anyone knowing it.

I believe they know that even though they don't legalize gambling, most of the country citizens will still find a way to gamble in online casinos, not minding their religion believe.

[kingstep]

It stands to reason. A country that bans gambling simply ends up losing tax revenue and leaving consumers unprotected. What the OP failed to mention is why he is reporting this now, given that gambling was officially legalised almost two years ago. He should have specified that, following legalisation, the licences for those companies were issued a few months ago.

For a Muslim dominated region, i think that it is not a matter of revenue generation but more of a faith based consideration because for the Muslim faithful, gambling is considered an abominable act that members are shined from being associated with. legalizing it is just one thing but people actually involving in it is another thing because a lot of persons wont still gamble even if it is legalized and licensed.

Legalize gambling or not in a religious society, the people that will gamble will always find a way to gamble in the midst of the available options and the ones that will not based on their believe will still stand with their conviction regardless what changes.

[SuperBitMan]

This is not new, Uzbekistan legalized online gambling and sports betting on 1 January 2025, following a presidential decree signed on 19 April 2024.
I believe a lot of people have known this a long time ago, however bringing it or creating a thread about it should be to ask why they decided to legalize gambling after years of making gambling illegal.
The reasons why they decide to legalize gambling is because they noticed that there citizens are still gambling, even though it was illegal in Uzbekistan, and casinos were benefiting from the citizens and then the government were not benefiting from the casinos company so they decided to legalize it and by doing so they will also protect their citizens from scam casinos and also profit from it because for casinos to operate over their the government most give them license and the casinos will pay for it and pay tax monthly.

[leea-1334]

Uzbekistan Is a Muslim country. Almost 95% of people living in the country are Muslims. This is the first time I am seeing something like this. I mean a Muslim country legalizing gambling for the whole country and not just for tourists and some places. Although, it is worth knowing that gambling was made legal on July 31, 2026 in the country.

Welcome to secular Islam   Do not be surprised even more famous Muslim countries have legal casinos and legal gambling,,, but supposedly to cater for non-Muslims though you will find plenty of Muslims, I can personally attest to it :

Malaysia, casino.
Turkey, no casino but I think a lot of betting sites.

[Alex077]

Another country has legalized gambling, and this one is Uzbekistan. The story began back in 2019, when the Ministry of Sports Development discussed the legalization project, and the president even signed a decree legalizing bookmaking from January 1, 2021.
After that, there was a long break until 2024. On April 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On measures to improve the regulation of the organization and conduct of lotteries and risk-based games." After issuing licenses, companies are allowed to organize risk-based games online and conduct bookmaking from January 1, 2025.
The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) became the regulator: it develops the rules and issues permits.
...

Personally, I think it makes perfect sense for Uzbekistan to legalize gambling. After all, banning gambling doesn't mean people will stop placing bets or playing at online casinos.

In my opinion, the real question isn't whether gambling is legal, but how effectively it's going to be regulated. As for restrictions on certain groups of people, I think the idea itself makes perfect sense. But what's much more important is how all of this will work in practice. After all, simply putting restrictions into law isn't enough.

[TheUltraElite]

Licenses were given, legalization was done already. Because governments want the things to appear legal while remaining vices and because they can profit from it, it is happening.

The casino owners want to make money and the governments also want to make money, the victim remains the common person who gives in to the temptation of gambling. Ultimately it is the choice of the Uzbek people to decide on gambling or not.

Quite a lot of people abhor gambling so the news might not even hit the nerve for most, still those who are gambling already will get some sort of relief if they get the money at hand to play.

[Supreme Donvic]

Another country has legalized gambling, and this one is Uzbekistan. The story began back in 2019, when the Ministry of Sports Development discussed the legalization project, and the president even signed a decree legalizing bookmaking from January 1, 2021.
After that, there was a long break until 2024. On April 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On measures to improve the regulation of the organization and conduct of lotteries and risk-based games." After issuing licenses, companies are allowed to organize risk-based games online and conduct bookmaking from January 1, 2025.
The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) became the regulator: it develops the rules and issues permits.
...

Personally, I think it makes perfect sense for Uzbekistan to legalize gambling. After all, banning gambling doesn't mean people will stop placing bets or playing at online casinos.

In my opinion, the real question isn't whether gambling is legal, but how effectively it's going to be regulated. As for restrictions on certain groups of people, I think the idea itself makes perfect sense. But what's much more important is how all of this will work in practice. After all, simply putting restrictions into law isn't enough.

True, when it was illegal I'm very sure that a lot of their citizens were still gambling and the government may have known this already and that was why they decided to make it legal because I there's no point in making gambling illegal and the citizens are still gambling secretly, and it is impossible to stop them from gambling totally so making legal is better.

I don't think the government are sometimes interested in regulating some certain things, they just put it in law but may not be interested in the regulation, for the fact that they have made it legal it will be very difficult to regulate it the way they have said or want.

[abel1337]

Well we know their intent is to tax casinos and the gamblers, since there are many illegal casinos that their citizen can access and gamble, why not legalize it and get some income out of them. This maybe a good move by their government if we are talking about increasing their source of income but people would certainly ask why do they legalized it if most of the citizens are following muslim religion. Other muslim countries have also legalized gambling such as Turkey and I think they prioritize their economy rather than their religion.

Muslim country legalizing gambling and offering licenses is I think the new norm in this time and date, I think other muslim countries would follow it until it isn't questioned anymore. Majority of the country has a bad economy right now and most governments seek additional sources of income to the government, taxing the gambling industry is one of the most lucrative industry they can target. Practicality vs Faith, muslim countries are definitely weighing these.