Azerbaijan’s parliament has passed a bill legalizing casino operations on artificial land plots during a session held on July 8.

According to the draft law, casinos will only be permitted on artificial land created in the Caspian Sea, Modern.az reports.

Lawmakers say that the move will increase tax revenues, boost tourism, and create new jobs. They emphasized that many Azerbaijani citizens currently travel abroad or turn to online platforms to gamble, and the new legislation aims to curb illegal gambling activity.

Under the new law, casinos will require a special license to operate and will be subject to state oversight from the moment of application through their operational period. Only legal entities will be allowed to organize casino activities, and they must ensure financial transparency and comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations (AML/CFT).

The new regulations also cover payout guarantees, state fees, and specific restrictions related to the organization of games. Participation will be limited to individuals over the age of 21, and virtual casinos will be banned.

The bill is intended not only to fight illegal gambling but also to position Azerbaijan as a regulated casino tourism hub in the region. 

In October last year, Azerbaijani businessman, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, and former son-in-law of President Ilham Aliyev, Emin Agalarov, publicly expressed interest in opening a casino at the “SeaBreeze” resort complex in Nardaran, a coastal settlement near Baku known for its conservative and religious population.

In an interview with Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak, Agalarov stated that the government was considering proposals to allow casino operations.

Agalarov is also the owner of Azerbaijan’s first artificial island. Before the current law was passed, parliament had already adopted legislation legitimizing his artificial islands, though only after construction of the island had begun.