On 30 May 2025, the Mongolian Parliament passed ten legislative amendments that radically restrict online gambling in the country. As a result, several laws, including the Criminal Code, advertising law, and tax laws, will completely ban all forms of online gambling, bookmaking, and paid lotteries. That is, the Government will block all casino websites.
Criminal liability for online gambling
According to the amendments to the Criminal Code of Mongolia, legal grounds for criminal liability of persons organising online gambling have been established. Restrictions also apply to individuals acting as intermediaries in providing bank accounts, telephone numbers, and digital currency to facilitate such transactions.
In addition, the amendments establish grounds for the prosecution of individuals and legal entities advertising any gambling games. Fines for gambling participants are also introduced.
Explaining why stricter laws are needed, Chief Cabinet Secretary Uchral Nyam-Osor said: ‘Financial investigation data shows that around €540m has been transferred from Mongolia to other countries. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Agency has imposed fines on offending enterprises; however, the amounts are insufficient. Therefore, we are going to amend the relevant laws to prohibit such activities.’
Protecting citizens from online fraud
Earlier this year, Mongolia’s Parliament approved a law to regulate sports betting and establish a special licensing system for certain types of betting. The Government attributes these measures to protecting the country’s citizens from online fraud and preventing the diversion of funds abroad. Lawmakers also planned amendments during the same period to impose stricter liability for supporting online gambling and to ban its advertising.
According to official figures, economic crime caused €133 million in damage in 2023, primarily to citizens aged between 18 and 39. Despite blocking 6,000 websites, many online operators continued to operate by changing their domains.
Structure of sports betting regulation in Mongolia
According to Legal Pilot, new sports betting legislation approved in March 2025 lays the foundation for a regulated sports betting market in Mongolia. The law introduces a licensing system specifically designed for sports betting shops. It includes provisions aimed at protecting Mongolian citizens from fraud and online crime by tightening the regulation of the industry.
The Mongolian Government currently regulates the gaming sector, with the Chief Cabinet Secretary playing a crucial role in implementing and promoting gaming policy. The regulatory framework involves coordination among several government agencies, including the Communications Regulatory Commission, the National Statistical Committee, and the Financial Investigation Authorities.
The regulatory structure is designed to implement a new licensing system for sports betting operators while enforcing prohibitions on other forms of gambling. The Government of Mongolia has expressed its intention to restrict all cash games.
This article was first published in Russian on 3 May 2025.
