Azerbaijan is set to implement new measures to curb the operations of illegal online foreign lotteries and sports betting platforms within the country. This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory control over the digital gambling sector and protect consumers from unauthorized services.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, these directives are outlined in the charter of the National Cybersecurity Center (NKA), which was established by a decree from President Ilham Aliyev.
Under the new mandate, the Agency is required to take legal action to prevent the organization and conduct of gambling activities via telecommunications services. This includes blocking the sale of tickets for such games and restricting participation in unauthorized gambling. Furthermore, the Agency must ensure that access to foreign lottery organizers and sports betting operators is restricted within the virtual environment of Azerbaijan, based on information provided by authorized local lottery and sports betting operators.
The National Cybersecurity Center plays a pivotal role in Azerbaijan's broader strategy to enhance national digital security. By regulating online gambling, the government seeks to align the digital landscape with national legislation, ensuring that only licensed operators can provide services to citizens, thereby mitigating financial risks and promoting a safer online environment.