Azerbaijan is proposing amendments to its Criminal Code to tighten penalties for organising and conducting illegal online gambling.
A related bill was presented at a joint meeting of Milli Majlis (National Assembly) committees on legal policy, labour and social policy.
Operating illegal gambling could be punishable by prison sentences of up to eight years, depending on the scale of the operation and targeted audiences.
Those found repeatedly organising such games of chance, obtaining significant income targeting minors or being involved in an organised crime group will face tougher penalties.
Current sanctions impose fines ranging from AZN 10,000 ($5,880) to AZN 15,000. The proposed changes aim to replace this with fines that could be up to double the income earned from the crime.
Azerbaijan is placing greater emphasis on addressing illegal gambling activities. Recently, it established the National Cybersecurity Agency (MKA). The MKA will take measures to prevent unlicensed gambling platforms from operating in the country.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) also raised concerns about the scale of the illegal market.
While authorities target illegal gambling, proposals for the country's first integrated resort are being discussed. Last year, Azerbaijan’s Parliament approved legislation authorising the development of casino resorts on artificial islands in the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov announced plans to develop a large complex within the Sea Breeze resort city near Baku. The project reportedly covers more than 90,000 square metres, includes over 100 gaming tables and more than 1,500 slot machines. Surrounding the casino would be 10 branded hotels and a concert hall.
Good to know
Azerbaijan prohibits most forms of gambling, with only a few tightly regulated exceptions, including sports betting, lotteries and a new artificial-island casino initiative
