Uzbekistan has raised a red flag about unlawful advertisements for online betting that have been detected before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The advertisements are being found all over social media networks, websites, and Telegram pages as they capitalize on the increased fan following of the tournament.

Ads Spread Across Online Channels

Regulators said the advertising is being circulated through a range of online spaces, with unlicensed gambling promotions becoming more visible in the run-up to the World Cup. The warning comes as officials step up attention on content that may be designed to draw in users through popular digital platforms.

The authorities said the promotions are appearing in multiple formats and are being shared widely online. Their concern is that the ads are using the tournament’s profile to reach more people while bypassing local rules on gambling-related marketing.

Legal Risks For Violators

As per Article 46 of the Law on Advertising of Uzbekistan, gambling advertising campaigns are forbidden. The authorities stated that all parties engaged in developing, publishing, and promoting such advertisements would face prosecution.

The use of anonymous accounts, pseudonyms, and foreign platforms would not provide any immunity under the Uzbek legislation, officials noted. This statement seems to be made to rule out any discussion of online anonymity being used as protection for advertisers.

The warning makes clear that responsibility may extend beyond the original advertiser to anyone helping to spread the content. Authorities are treating the issue as a compliance matter rather than a routine online nuisance, with gambling promotions falling squarely within the advertising ban.

Monitoring And Enforcement

The Competition Committee said it is monitoring social media channels for possible breaches. All suspicions regarding the violations will be referred to the authorities for their further investigation. This cooperation may suggest the attempt to monitor gambling advertisements throughout the country via Internet channels, rather than having all the responsibilities on the shoulders of one agency. The authorities are looking for both the origin of the content and the routes through which it is being shared.

Citizens Advised To Stay Clear

Authorities advised citizens not to interact with gambling campaigns, not to distribute them, and to contact authorities to report any suspicious activities. Apparently, this recommendation was given in order to prevent the diffusion of ads before the start of the World Cup.

With the tournament approaching, Uzbekistan’s regulators are trying to prevent gambling advertising from gaining a wider foothold online. The latest warning shows that the authorities are focused on stopping illegal promotions before they become more widespread during one of football’s biggest global events.

Source: Focus Gaming News