Uzbekistan's Committee for the Development of Competition and Consumer Protection reported on June 9 a sharp increase in the spread of advertising materials promoting betting services, gambling, and other risk-based games on social networks, websites, and Telegram channels ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the committee, major sporting events are often used to lure citizens into risky games with promises of quick income and large winnings.

The committee reminded that under Article 46 of Uzbekistan's Law 'On Advertising,' advertising of gambling and other risk-based games, including betting services and totalizators, is prohibited, including via telecommunications networks and the internet.

Some individuals are reportedly trying to conceal their activities using fake accounts, pseudonyms, and foreign internet platforms. However, such actions do not exempt them from liability and are under the control of authorized bodies.

The Competition Committee conducts systematic monitoring of advertising materials on the internet and social networks. Identified violations are forwarded to relevant state bodies, including cybersecurity units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Citizens are urged not to trust dubious advertisements for betting and gambling services, not to distribute such materials, and to report such cases to authorized agencies.

Source: kun.uz