Uzbekistan implements new licensing rules for online gambling  

The Cabinet of Ministers in Uzbekistan has completed the licensing requirements for online gambling, lotteries, and betting. This decision, announced on December 12, 2025, and confirmed earlier on the same day, implements a presidential decree from April that permits online gambling and betting starting January 1, 2025. Under the new regulations, operators of online games, lotteries, and betting are required to obtain licenses from the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP). These licenses remain valid for five years, and obtaining a new license costs 18.75 million soums (about $1500). Changes to licenses will cost 9.375 million soums (approximately $13). Service providers are required to use domains within Uzbekistan’s national internet segment. In addition, online gaming software and random number generators must be approved by authorized agencies and testing labs designated by the licensing authority. The government has set minimum financial standards for operators in the online gambling, betting, and lottery industries. Organizers of online gambling and betting need to maintain a minimum authorized capital of 56.25 billion soums ($4.4 million) and a reserve fund of 28.125 billion soums ($2.2 million). For lotteries, the minimum permitted capital is established at 20.625 billion soums ($1.6 million), along with a reserve fund of 15 billion soums ($1.2 million). Furthermore, at least 50% of income from traditional lottery ticket sales must be designated for prizes, while for electronic lotteries, this figure rises to 75%. Participation in gambling and lotteries is only permitted on licensed platforms, where players must go through electronic identity verification and transactions are handled digitally. The government of Uzbekistan will keep a Unified State Register of Bets and Players to oversee player information, establish restrictions, and enforce transaction limits.