BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 30.
Sanctions for organizing or operating gambling activities in
Azerbaijan have been tightened.


This is reflected in the amendment to the Criminal Code approved
by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The
document text has been published on the official website of the
President of Azerbaijan.


According to the amendment, repeatedly organizing or maintaining
a venue for gambling in a virtual format, including through the
internet, mobile communication networks, social media platforms,
electronic communication tools, other internet and mobile
telecommunications applications, or other technology-based
platforms, will be punishable by a fine of up to twice the amount
of the criminal proceeds and either restriction of liberty or
imprisonment for a term of two to four years.


Besides, if the same acts are committed repeatedly, if they are
committed by allowing minors to participate in gambling, if they
are committed by a group of persons in prior collusion, or if they
are committed by obtaining a significant amount of income, they
will be punished by restriction of freedom for a period of two
years to four years or imprisonment for the same term, with a fine
of up to twice the income obtained as a result of the crime.


In addition, all of the above-mentioned acts, if committed by an
organized group or criminal association (criminal organization), or
if committed with the receipt of a large amount of income, will be
punishable by restriction of liberty for a term of three to five
years or imprisonment for the same term.


According to the document, if any of the above-mentioned
offenses result in obtaining an especially large amount of criminal
proceeds, the punishment will be imprisonment for a term of five to
eight years.


A "significant amount" means an amount exceeding 50,000 manat
($29,412) but not exceeding 200,000 manat ($117,647), a "large
amount" implies an amount above 200,000 manat ($117,647) but not
exceeding 500,000 manat ($294,118), and an "especially large
amount" refers to an amount higher than 500,000 manat.