Four Uzbek Bloggers Held Administratively Responsible for Advertising MelBet
The Competition Committee uncovered illegal betting ads on social media and sanctioned four popular Instagram influencers — Jasurbek Shodiyev (jasjannew), Dadabek Normamatov (allme.uz), Sherkhan Rakhmatov (sherxon.zdss), and Khojiakbar Hasanbaev (hojiakbar_ku) — who posted vertical videos promoting MelBet’s merchandise. All cases have now been forwarded to the courts.
Cases of Betting Advertising Violations on Social Media
The Competition Committee is conducting a thorough review and analysis of advertisements distributed through media and social networks to ensure compliance with current legislation.
During this process, several cases were identified where bloggers with hundreds of thousands of followers promoted betting services using the MelBet brand and scenes encouraging gambling. The individuals involved are:
- Jasurbek Shodiyev (jasjannew)
- Dadabek Normamatov (allme.uz)
- Sherkhan Rakhmatov (sherxon.zdss)
- Khojiakbar Hasanbaev (hojiakbar_ku)
Administrative Penalties and Legal Proceedings
As a result of the investigation, the bloggers were held administratively liable. All necessary documents and evidence related to these cases have been submitted to the courts.
It is noteworthy that, at the time of writing, only Khojiakbar Hasanbaev has removed all videos featuring the operator’s branding.
Legislation on Gambling Advertising Restrictions
| Law | Summary |
|---|---|
| Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Advertising” | Prohibits advertising of gambling and other risk-based games within the country. |
| Liability | Advertising prohibited activities entails administrative liability and court proceedings. |
Who Exactly Violated the Law?
It has been established that videos featuring the MelBet bookmaker’s trademark and gambling promotion scenes were posted on the following bloggers’ accounts:
- Jasurbek Shodiyev G‘ulomjon o‘g‘li (jasjannew)
- Dadabek Normamatov Bahrom o‘g‘li (allme.uz)
- Sherkhan Rakhmatov Lutfullo o‘g‘li (sherxon.zdss)
- Khojiakbar Hasanboev Zulkhaydar o‘g‘li (hojiakbar_ku)
Actions Taken
The Competition Committee has ensured:
- Systematic review and analysis of social media advertising;
- Holding bloggers administratively accountable;
- Submission of relevant materials to the courts;
- Removal of MelBet-branded promotional content (by some bloggers).
Conclusion
In Uzbekistan, strict enforcement of advertising laws is in place, especially concerning gambling and bookmaker service promotions. Violations detected on social media lead to administrative penalties and legal action.
This case highlights the importance for bloggers and influencers to carefully adhere to advertising rules and restrictions applicable within the country.