Eurasia, the largest continent uniting Europe and Asia, represents a region characterized by diverse approaches to the regulation and development of gambling.

In the post-Soviet countries, online gambling has become a key segment of the industry, demonstrating steady growth despite legislative restrictions in several jurisdictions. Over the course of 2024, the industry underwent numerous significant changes, further attracting the attention of stakeholders and the global gambling industry.

Ivan Kurochkin, Partner and Head of Consulting Department at 4H Agency, has shared key developments with SBC Eurasia.

Overview of Major Developments in Post-Soviet Countries in 2024

1. Kazakhstan

In autumn of 2024, amendments to the Gambling Law and changes to the Criminal Code came into effect. A new regulatory authority, the Committee for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, was established, tasked with maintaining and publishing a registry of illegal operators on its website. All licensed operators are now required to connect to the state unified accounting system.

Measures were also adopted to restrict vulnerable groups’ access to gambling. The list of individuals prohibited from participating in gambling was expanded to include debtors from the Unified Registry and government officials. Advertising restrictions were tightened, including an almost complete ban on advertising in media and through influencers.

A new gambling zone in Alatau was added to the existing zones in Konaev and Burabay; however, its development is slated to begin in 2030 and conclude by 2050.

2. Ukraine

In 2024, Ukraine launched a comprehensive legislative reform prompted by a public scandal. This led to several measures, including blocking over 370 illegal websites and imposing extensive restrictions on advertising.

As part of the reforms, changes to the existing regulations were adopted in December 2024. These included mandatory registration for B2B operators, new mechanisms for advertising monitoring, and updates to taxation. A new regulatory body will replace the Gambling Commission, to be supervised by a ministry. The new regulator will have the authority to set gaming limits and block websites. Payment systems will be allowed to process gambling-related transactions only through banks.

3. Uzbekistan

In 2024, Uzbekistan adopted two legislative acts that significantly altered the gambling market, which had been entirely prohibited except for lotteries. A Presidential Decree in April 2024 legalized the gambling market, and a Cabinet of Ministers Resolution in December 2024 established licensing procedures, costs, limits, and restrictions for gambling operators.

Starting in 2025, the market will include new licensed verticals: betting (excluding events involving Uzbek citizens or organized within Uzbekistan), lotteries (paper-based ticket issuance), and online gambling. The license fee is approximately USD 14,500, valid for five years. Each online gambling license is limited to one domain, and servers must be located within Uzbekistan. The tax regime imposes a 4% turnover tax on all operators, while player winnings are exempt from personal income tax. A new regulatory body, the National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), was established.

Licensing requirements include certification, due diligence of key personnel (director, accountant, manager), and mandatory player verification for operation. Operators must comply with the Unified Betting and Player Center, which will be controlled by the new regulator.

4. Turkmenistan

As of the end of 2024, gambling in Turkmenistan is officially permitted in limited forms, including land-based casinos and slot machines. State-regulated betting on horse racing and sports events is also allowed. However, no licenses have been issued for gambling activities, and the market remains closed to private operators.

No legislative updates or regulatory developments occurred during the year, and Turkmenistan continues its conservative approach, keeping the gambling market practically inaccessible for private investment and international operators.

5. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan maintains a general prohibition on gambling, including online gambling. The only permitted forms are sports betting and lotteries, including their online formats. The state-owned company Azerlotereya holds a monopoly over all lottery activities, except promotional lotteries.

No legislative or regulatory changes occurred in 2024.

6. Belarus

Gambling in Belarus is strictly regulated, ensuring market transparency and control.

No changes to gambling legislation or regulations occurred in 2024. The market continues to operate under established rules aimed at ensuring industry safety and stability.

7. Georgia

In early 2024, Georgia separated online licenses from land-based ones, allowing interested operators to conduct online operations without physical presence in the country. Later, the regulator also introduced offshore online licenses, permitting operators to use up to two domains: one for Georgians and another for international players. Operators were also authorized to accept bets in EUR and USD, facilitating access to international markets and reducing reliance on offshore licenses.

Taxation was amended for operators targeting foreign players (5% GGR). The cost of individual licenses was set at USD 1.7 million for online casinos and USD 340,000 for online slots, with a validity period of five years. Operators are required to implement KYC processes, obtain certification, and integrate monitoring systems.

8. Armenia

A comprehensive gambling industry reform began in mid-2024, aimed at creating a transparent and safe environment for operators and players. A new gambling law introduced mandatory responsible gambling and AML requirements for operators, including risk-based player assessments, suspicious transaction reporting, and monitoring.

The market became more accessible to international players. Like Georgia, Armenia introduced an offshore licensing option, allowing operators to target foreign players and accept payments in foreign currencies.

9. Moldova

As of the end of 2024, gambling in Moldova is fully legal and regulated. The market operates under the control of Loteria Nationala a Moldovei, responsible for licensing, taxation, and casino placement. In December 2024, Parliament amended the Gambling Law, permitting advertising under specific restrictions. Advertising is now allowed from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM during sponsorships of audiovisual programs, for low-risk games, during broadcasts of national sports events, and in print media (not exceeding 15% of a publication’s space).

Advertisements must mention the negative consequences of gambling (at least 20% of the ad’s duration or space), and fines were introduced for violations. These changes strengthened the market’s position; however, no other significant legislative updates occurred in 2024.

10. Kyrgyzstan

Gambling was legalized in Kyrgyzstan in 2022 under a new law regulating casinos and other gambling establishments. Access to casinos is restricted to foreign nationals over the age of 21, with full prohibition for Kyrgyz citizens. In 2023, the first casino license was issued to Grand Casino LLC.

No significant regulatory changes occurred in 2024. The legislation remains unchanged, focusing on attracting foreign tourism and investment through gambling. The market retains growth potential, particularly in tourist zones like Issyk-Kul, though no expansion has materialized.

11. Tajikistan

Gambling in Tajikistan is heavily restricted. Permitted activities include bookmakers, totalizators, and lotteries, which are regulated and licensed by the Ministry of Finance. All other forms, including casinos and online gambling, are prohibited.

No regulatory changes occurred in 2024, and the state continues its conservative policy, aiming to minimize gambling activities and their negative impacts.

 

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