TLDR Uzbekistan has warned against illegal online betting ads appearing on social media, websites, and Telegram ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Ads are using the tournament’s popularity to bypass local gambling marketing rules Article 46 of Uzbekistan’s Law on Advertising bans all gambling-related advertising Anyone involved in creating, publishing, or sharing the ads faces prosecution — anonymous accounts offer no protection The Competition Committee is actively monitoring social media and referring suspected violations to authorities Uzbekistan Warns Against Illegal Betting Ads Before the 2026 World Cup
Uzbekistan’s regulators have issued a warning about illegal online betting advertisements spreading across digital platforms ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ads are appearing on social media, websites, and Telegram channels.
Officials say the promotions are taking advantage of the tournament’s global profile to reach more people while sidestepping local advertising rules.
Under Article 46 of Uzbekistan’s Law on Advertising, gambling advertising is banned. Authorities have made clear that everyone involved in creating, publishing, or sharing these ads could face legal consequences.
Regulators specifically warned that using anonymous accounts, fake names, or foreign platforms will not protect anyone from prosecution under Uzbek law. This appears aimed at advertisers who may believe online anonymity shields them from responsibility.
The warning extends beyond the original advertisers. Anyone helping to spread the content could also be held liable, framing this as a legal compliance issue.
Competition Committee Steps Up Monitoring
The Competition Committee has said it is actively watching social media channels for potential violations. Suspected breaches will be passed on to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The approach suggests a coordinated effort across multiple agencies to track down both the source of the content and how it is being distributed online.
This is not being treated as a minor