iGaming in Uzbekistan: NAPP Officially Becomes the Regulator of Gambling, Insurance, and Capital Markets

New Law and Expanded Powers

On April 17, 2025, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signed a law granting the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) the status of regulator of the capital markets, insurance services, and gambling sector, including online casinos and betting activities.

These changes solidify a reform previously launched in the gambling sector, which began with the legalization of gambling and betting in April 2024.

Licensing of iGaming Activities

NAPP is now authorized to issue licenses for online gambling and betting activities. Key parameters include:

• License validity: up to 5 years
• License fee:
  • $14,400 (500 BRV / 187.5 million UZS)
  • For amendments — $7,200 (250 BRV / 93.75 million UZS)

There are also mandatory requirements for charter capital and reserve funds, as well as procedures for player registration and operator licensing.

What Else NAPP Regulates

According to the new regulations:

• Online lottery and betting activities are subject to mandatory licensing
• Amendments to the Law “On Insurance Activity” introduce reputation requirements for owners and executives of insurance companies
• Organization and conduct of lotteries are now under regulatory control

Reasons for the Reforms

NAPP explains the need for changes as follows:

• Bans have failed — they only led to increased capital outflow abroad
• There has been a rise in gambling addiction
• There is a growing number of fraud schemes

According to members of the “Milliy Tiklanish” faction, support for the reforms stems from the recognition that previous restrictions were ineffective.

In Brief: What Changes for iGaming in Uzbekistan