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Penalties for organizing gambling activities in virtual formats to be tightened

23 June 2026 11:06 (UTC +04:00)

Individuals who repeatedly organize or maintain venues for gambling activities in virtual formats through the use of social media platforms will face up to four years of imprisonment, APA reports.

This is reflected in a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code discussed at a joint meeting of the Milli Majlis Committees on Legal Policy and State Building and on Labor and Social Policy.

According to the draft, if the organization or maintenance of a venue for gambling activities is committed repeatedly in a virtual format, including through the use of the internet, mobile communication networks, social media platforms, other electronic communication means, internet and mobile telecommunication applications, or other technology-based platforms, the offender will be punished by a fine of up to twice the amount of the income obtained as a result of the crime, restriction of liberty for a period of two to four years, or imprisonment for the same period.

Under the current Criminal Code, repeated organization or maintenance of a venue for gambling activities through the use of internet information resources or information and telecommunication networks is punishable by a fine ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 manats, restriction of liberty for a period of two to three years, or imprisonment for a period of two to three years.

The draft also envisages tougher penalties for offenses committed by allowing minors to participate in gambling activities.

Accordingly, if the offense is committed:

- by allowing minors to participate in gambling activities;

- by a group of persons acting in prior collusion;

- by obtaining a significant amount of income,

the offender will be punished by a fine of up to twice the amount of the income obtained as a result of the crime, restriction of liberty for a period of two to four years, or imprisonment for the same period.

Under the current Code, the above-mentioned acts are punishable by a fine ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 manats, restriction of liberty for a period of two to three years, or imprisonment for a period of two to three years.

Firuza Vahid

Azerbaijan gambling virtual gambling social media platforms Criminal Code Milli Majlis legal amendments penalties imprisonment minors online gambling legislation crime prevention electronic communications