Online bingo remains prohibited in Azerbaijan under the country's comprehensive gambling ban that has been in place since 1998 (1). All forms of gambling activities in Azerbaijan are strictly controlled under the Law on Games of Chance, which requires authorization from the Ministry of Finance for any gambling operation (2). While the legislation has undergone some development to permit sports betting and lotteries under specific conditions, casinos and most other forms of gambling including online bingo continue to be banned throughout the country (2).
In July 2025, Azerbaijan's parliament approved groundbreaking legislation allowing casinos exclusively on artificial islands in the country's Caspian Sea sector, marking the first relaxation of the gambling ban in decades (1). The bill passed in its third reading provides a legal framework for entrepreneurial activity on man-made islands, including casino operations, building on a May 2024 law that established rules for creating artificial territories in the Caspian Sea (1). However, gambling remains prohibited throughout mainland Azerbaijan except on these specially designated islands and only in strict accordance with national regulations (1).
"Under the new legislation, gambling will remain prohibited throughout Azerbaijan, except on these specially designated islands and only in strict accordance with national regulations."
The Ministry of Finance serves as the main regulatory body overseeing all gambling activities in Azerbaijan, responsible for issuing licenses and ensuring legal compliance across the sector (2). Article 244-1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan establishes criminal liability for organizing and conducting unauthorized gambling activities, with violators facing potential imprisonment and substantial fines (2). The government has intensified enforcement efforts against illegal online gambling operations, particularly targeting fraudulent virtual casinos advertised on social networks, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining strict control over the gambling industry while protecting citizens from fraud (2).
Source:
https://english.news.cn/20250709/7af032005b014f7f979c41d69e9693a1/c.html
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-azerbaijan/
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
