The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has adopted, in its final reading, amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at significantly tightening penalties for the organization and conduct of online gambling.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the draft law was discussed and approved during the latest session of the parliament.
Under the new legislation, the penalties for organizing gambling activities are intensified, particularly when committed under the following circumstances:
- Using virtual platforms, including internet networks, mobile communication networks, social media platforms, or other electronic communication technologies;
- Involving minors in gambling activities;
- Committed by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy;
- Generating significant income.
In such cases, offenders face fines of up to double the income derived from the criminal activity, along with restrictions on liberty or imprisonment for a term of two to four years. Furthermore, if the offense is committed by an organized group or criminal organization, or results in large-scale income, the penalty increases to three to five years of restricted liberty or imprisonment.
Previously, the law imposed fixed fines ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 manats. The new amendments shift the penalty structure to be proportional to the illicit income generated, aiming to act as a stronger deterrent against illegal gambling operations.
Additionally, the legislation addresses repeat offenses and other aggravating factors. While current laws impose four to five years of restricted liberty or four to eight years of imprisonment for repeat offenses, the new bill proposes increasing the prison term to five to eight years.
The legislative move reflects Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, which has increasingly migrated to digital spaces. By modernizing the Criminal Code, the state aims to protect citizens, particularly youth, from the social and financial risks associated with unregulated online betting and casino platforms.
