Uzbekistan to strengthen liability for illegal actions related to organization, conduct and participation in gambling

In recent years, the number of crimes and administrative offenses related to the organization of gambling and other risk-based games and participation in such games has been increasing.

In particular, the growing popularity of online gambling among the population causes such negative consequences as addiction to these games, fraud and suicide.

The draft law strengthens administrative and criminal liability for illegal actions related to the organization, conduct and participation in gambling and other risk-based games. As well as the manufacture or import into the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan of products that promote gambling and other games based on risk in violation of the law, its advertising, demonstration, distribution, including in the media, telecommunications networks or the Internet. advertising, display and distribution on the web.

The following amendments and additions are made to Article 278 of the Criminal Code:

add parts five and six as follows:

“Illegal distribution, advertising, display of goods promoting gambling and other games based on risk, manufacture or importation into the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as illegal advertising, display, distribution of goods promoting gambling and other games, based on risk, including advertising , demonstration, distribution in the mass media, telecommunications networks or the Internet global information network, if this is done after the application of an administrative penalty for such actions, -

shall be punishable by a fine in the amount of 400 to 600 BCAs, or community service for up to 360 hours, or correctional labor for up to three years.

This offense committed:

a) by a recidivist or a dangerous recidivist;
b) by a group of persons by prior agreement, -

shall be punishable by 360 to 480 hours of compulsory labor, or restraint of liberty for a term of one to three years, or imprisonment for a term of up to three years.

Article 191:

2) part three shall be stated in the following wording:

“Illegal distribution, advertising, display of goods promoting gambling and other games based on risk, manufacture or importation into the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as illegal advertising, display, distribution of goods promoting gambling and other games, based on risk”, including advertising, display, distribution in the media, telecommunications networks or the Internet global information network, entails:

Imposition of a fine on citizens from 50 to 400 BCAs, and on officials – from 100 to 450 BCAs with confiscation of products that promote gambling and other risk-based games, including the means of its manufacture, distribution, advertising and demonstration.