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SOCIO-LEGAL LIABILITY OF ONLINE GAMBLING AND
BETTING IN UZBEKISTAN
Kalbaeva Eldora Uzaqbaevna
3rd year student of the Faculty of Law of
Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh
E-mail: eldorakalbaeva@gmail.com
A.B.Gulimov
Scientific Supervisor:
DSc in Law, Professor of the Department of
"Human Rights, Public Law, and Administration"
Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15461203
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Qabul qilindi: 10- May 2025 yil
Ma’qullandi: 15-May 2025 yil
Nashr qilindi: 19-May 2025 yil
The article analyzes the social, psychological, and legal
impacts of online gambling, which has become
widespread in recent years due to the development of
digital technologies, on society and individuals. The
formation of the legislative framework in Uzbekistan,
issues of control and legal regulation of online gambling
will also be considered. The article examines methods of
combating online gambling based on national and
international best practices.
KEY WORDS
online gambling, ludomania, digital
technologies,
legal
regulation,
Uzbekistan, social security.
In recent years, with the development of digital technologies, online gambling has
become an integral part of people's lives. As a result of factors such as social inequality,
unemployment, and psychological vulnerability in society, certain segments of the population
are increasingly being drawn into such games. Gambling, especially when carried out through
internet platforms, is often left outside legal control. The UN's 2022 report noted that online
gambling is exacerbating mental health problems on a global scale [1]. According to statistics,
the number of people worldwide suffering from gambling addiction - ludomania - exceeded
15 million in 2023, and this figure continues to grow every year [2].
This affliction, widespread among the general population, negatively impacts not only
the individual's financial situation but also their mental well-being. As psychologist A.V.
Lebedev noted, "gambling urge is a psychological state that consciously binds a person to a
certain activity, and over time, it limits individual freedom" [3, 56]. As a result of such games,
there are many cases of falling under not only a financial influence, but also an emotional
influence that leads to addiction. Furthermore, another negative consequence of online
gambling is the emergence of serious problems not only at the personal level but also at the
family, economic, and legal levels.
The attitude towards gambling has existed in various societies since ancient times. For
example, in Islamic sources, this activity is strictly forbidden. In the Quran, in Surah Al-
Ma'idah (verses 90-91), it is stated:..." gambling, drinking, idols, and fortune-telling - these are
the works of Satan, stay away from them" [4].
Gambling was first criminalized in Uzbekistan under the USSR Criminal Code on August
11, 1988, by order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. This act was
classified as a crime and included in Chapter X of the Criminal Code of that time. Chapter X is
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titled "Crimes Against Public Safety, Public Order, and Public Health" [5]. Previously, only
administrative liability for gambling was applied. However, even after criminalization,
criminal liability was imposed only after repeated commission of the same crime within one
year of being subjected to administrative liability. In Uzbekistan, gambling was officially
banned from September 22, 1994, based on Article 278 of the Criminal Code.
Today, this problem remains a relevant and complex issue. In particular, there are
serious problems in identifying gambling activities occurring through online programs,
establishing their legal liability, and eliminating these violations in practice.
It is suggested that this crime be analyzed not only in the traditional sense, but also
within the framework of cybercrime. For example, mobile applications of foreign platforms
such as "1xBet" and "Parimatch" are accessible to users in Uzbekistan without any permission
[6].
Positive changes have been observed in legislation in recent years. For example, since
2021, the government of Uzbekistan has developed a digital security strategy and is
introducing a mechanism for applying technical blocks to illegal gambling content on the
internet. This means combating modern crime through modern solutions. The ongoing
blocking of illegal gambling and betting sites by the Ministry for the Development of
Information Technologies and Communications in 2023 is one of the positive measures to
prevent this problem. At the same time, it is recommended that mechanisms related to
psychological support and social rehabilitation should also be included in such measures.
Moreover, in the Republic of Uzbekistan, offenses related to gambling are regulated by
Article 278 of the Criminal Code. This article defines the organization and conduct of gambling
and other games based on risk as a crime. This provision is established not only as a punitive
measure, but also as a legal instrument aimed at ensuring public health. Furthermore,
amendments to the Criminal Code introduce administrative warnings followed by criminal
liability for those who promote gambling. This ensures a balance between prevention and
punishment.
At present, gambling is often practiced through phone apps. This situation complicates
the search for the responsible person. Firstly, the phone app belongs to a legal entity, and the
functionality of these games is programmed. According to our national legislation, only
individuals are held liable. Secondly, most of these phone apps are located abroad. For
example, the headquarters of the "1xbet" company is located in Limassol, Cyprus. The
company "BWIN" is located in Vienna, Republic of Austria, and the company "Parimatch" is
located in Ukraine. It has its own headquarters in Kyiv. The resolution of the Plenum of the
Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan on several related issues is considered
necessary.
Therefore, when classifying gambling as a crime, not only material damage but also moral
and social harm must be taken into account. Although ludomania has not yet been recognized
as a separate disease in Uzbekistan, specialized centers should be established in this area
within the healthcare system.
Currently, gambling has become widespread not only in its traditional form but also via
digital platforms, has become one of the factors threatening social stability. This is reflected in
Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which classifies this activity as
a crime, recognizing it as a dangerous process that undermines a person's social status and
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weakens their spiritual and financial freedom.
An effective fight against gambling should be based not only on punishment but also on
the development of public awareness and culture. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle
through social advertising, cinema, theater, and blogging platforms has yielded positive
results.
Gambling addiction is often a manifestation of underlying psychological issues. To
prevent this, psychological counseling centers have been established in several regions of
Uzbekistan. For example, gambling are provided through Psychological Assistance and
Rehabilitation Centers operating in regions such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Fergana.
The government is promoting employment and a purposeful lifestyle for young people
through programs such as the "Youth Notebook" and "Dialogue with Youth." In our view,
these measures contribute directly to building public resilience against addiction and related
disorders.
Furthermore, ensuring digital security, restricting access to illegal foreign platforms, and
enhancing mechanisms for their detection and comprehensive regulation are current
imperatives. In this effort, alongside the state, the participation of civil society institutions, the
media, and citizens is crucial.
In international practice, for example, in Germany, gambling is strictly controlled on the
basis of a state license [7]. In the US, although gambling is legal in some states, there are strict
penalties at the federal level for its promotion or illegal organization [8]. In Great Britain, the
Gambling Commission operates as a special regulatory div [9].
Gambling is legal in Great Britain but is strictly regulated by the Gambling Commission.
There is even a restriction for game participants; in some cases, they must obtain membership
cards issued by the relevant authority, which may be valid for a limited period, such as 24
hours [10].
In Switzerland, considered one of the world's safest banks and a leader in average salary
ratings, gambling is regulated by constitutional law. According to Article 106 of the new
Constitution adopted in 1999, legislation on gambling and lotteries is regulated by federal
law, with consideration of European standards. The establishment of gambling
establishments and the hiring of employees are carried out by licensed individuals or entities
authorized by the competent gambling authority [11]. Furthermore, this constitutional article
requires that licensing authorities consider the specific regional characteristics and risks
associated with gambling to consider the specifics of the territory and the inherent risks of
gambling when issuing licenses [12].
In conclusion, it can be said that online gambling is a pressing socio-legal problem for
society today. They negatively affect not only a person's financial situation, but also their
psychological and social well-being. The development of the legislative framework related to
gambling in Uzbekistan and the implementation of digital security strategies are key
directions for effectively addressing this problem. Along with legal measures, psychological
support and outreach and education initiatives play a significant role in combating the
problem of gambling. It is also necessary to limit the spread of gambling by drawing on
international experience and monitoring digital platforms.
References:
1.
Birlashgan
Millatlar
Tashkiloti.
(2022).
World
Drug
Report
2022.
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https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2022.html
2. Karimova Z.M. “Raqamli xavfsizlik va jinoyatlarning yangi shakllari”, Yuridik fanlar jurnal,
2023, №4.1. World Health Organization. (2023). Gambling and gaming addiction: Public
health implications. Geneva: WHO Press. ISBN 978-92-4-007304-6.
3. Лебедев, А.В. (2018). Психология азартного поведения. Москва: Питер. — Б. 56.
4. The Holy Qur’an. (2004). Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verses 90–91. Translation by M.A.S. Abdel
Haleem. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
5. Prezidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. (1988). Decree No. 9326-XI on
Criminalization of Gambling. Moscow.
6.
O‘zbekistonda
onlayn
qimor
o‘yinlari
taqiqlandi.
2023.
URL:
https://qalampir.uz/news/uzbekistonda-onlayn-qimor-oyinlari-taqiqlandi-94112
7. Bundesministerium der Justiz. Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV). 2021. URL:
https://www.idnow.io/blog/online-gambling-germany-regulations/
8. Casetext. 18 U.S. Code § 1084 - Transmission of wagering information. URL:
https://casetext.com/statute/united-states-code/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-
procedure/part-i-crimes/chapter-50-gambling/section-1084
9.
UK
Gambling
Commission.
About
us.
URL:
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are
10.
United
Kingdom
Parliament.
Gambling
Act
2005.
URL:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents
11. Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft. Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation,
Article 106. URL: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1999/404/en
12.
Swiss
Federal
Gaming
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(SFGB).
Regulation
of
Casinos.
URL:
https://www.esbk.admin.ch/esbk/en/home.html
