Mongolia Bans iGaming: Complete Restriction on Online Gambling and Lotteries
On May 30, the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia adopted amendments to the Law on Licensing, completely prohibiting all forms of online gambling.
What exactly was banned?
The amendments to the legislation cover a wide range of online gambling services:
- Online gambling
- Betting
- Paid lotteries
Now all forms of online games for money are banned in Mongolia, including both private and corporate forms of organization.
Which laws were amended?
To implement the ban, the Great Khural introduced amendments to several legislative acts at once:
| Law | Essence of Amendments |
|---|---|
| Law on Licensing | Complete ban on online gambling, betting, and paid lotteries |
| Criminal Code | Criminal liability for organizing or facilitating gambling |
| Law on Offenses | Fines and penalties for gambling advertising, especially among youth |
| Law on Advertising | Ban on promotion of gambling |
| Personal Income Tax Law | Adaptation to the new tax structure excluding gambling income |
| Corporate Tax Law | Changes in taxation for companies involved in gambling business |
| Excise Law | Exclusion of gambling services from the list of excisable goods |
| Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises | Exclusion of gambling services from recipients of state support |
Who will be held accountable?
Now criminal liability applies not only to organizers, but also to:
- Individuals providing their bank accounts
- Those using phone numbers or accounts for transfers
- Financial intermediaries and “drops”
Financial and political support for the reforms
The session also approved the following financial initiatives:
- Budget framework for 2026
- Budget draft for 2027–2028
- Mongolia’s public debt management strategy for 2026–2028
Regional context
Earlier, Kazinform reported that Kazakhstan is creating a committee for the regulation of the gambling business and lotteries. This demonstrates a broader regional interest in gambling control and regulation.
Conclusion
Mongolia has officially closed the door on online gambling, placing strict control over all activities related to gambling.
The new law targets not only organizers but also all participants, including advertisers and intermediaries, introducing serious sanctions and criminal liability.