Online poker is illegal in Tajikistan under current gambling legislation. The government issued an outright ban on virtually all types of gambling, including land-based casino games, sports betting, and online gambling (1). State authorities regard gambling as an activity that contributes to societal problems and do not provide any legitimate basis for issuing licenses to private or foreign operators for casino operations including online poker rooms.
The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs enforce the gambling ban in Tajikistan, supervising compliance on a national level (1). According to Presidential Decree № 328 of July 20, 2000, gambling activities on the territory of Tajikistan were suspended for an indefinite period due to deficiencies in legislation that led to tax violations (2). Since then, all casinos have been officially banned, with the government ordering internet service providers to block access to offshore online gambling sites.
"It is also prohibited to gamble online in Tajikistan. To date, the government has ordered the blocking of access to offshore online gambling sites; access providers are under obligation to assist it in these directions."
Law enforcement agencies conduct harsh prosecutions against illegal gambling operations, with punishments including fines, asset confiscation, and imprisonment (1). Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan provides for imprisonment from six to eight years with confiscation of property for organizing or maintaining casinos, gaming tables, and gambling machines. The only legal form of gambling permitted is a state-run lottery, which operates under stringent government control and represents the sole avenue through which Tajik citizens can legally participate in games of chance.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-tajikistan/
https://3snet.info/en/reviews/how-to-promotw-online-betting-and-gambling-in-tajikistan/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
