In 2025, Azerbaijan made a decisive shift in its gambling policy by ending a nationwide casino ban that had been in place since 1998. The new law allows casino operations under strict conditions, limiting them exclusively to artificial islands in the Caspian Sea. Gambling remains illegal across mainland Azerbaijan, preserving long standing social and religious boundaries.
The reform is designed to support tourism growth and retain gambling related spending that has historically flowed out of the country, mainly to neighboring casino markets. Licensing requirements, high entry costs for operators, and age restrictions signal a controlled and selective approach rather than broad market opening.
For Azeri players, the change introduces legal casino access inside the country for the first time in nearly three decades, but only within isolated resort zones. Online casinos and land based venues on the mainland remain prohibited, making this reform a targeted exception rather than a full gambling liberalization.