Those who organize or maintain a place for repeated gambling in a virtual format using social media platforms will face up to 4 years of imprisonment.
“Elchi” reports that this is reflected in the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, which was discussed at today’s session of the Milli Majlis.
According to the draft, if the organization or maintenance of a place for gambling is committed repeatedly in a virtual format, including the use of the internet, mobile communication networks, social media platforms, other electronic communication means, as well as internet and mobile telecommunication applications or other technology-based platforms, it shall be punishable by restriction of liberty for a term of two to four years or imprisonment for the same term, with a fine of up to double the amount of the income derived from the crime.
According to the current Criminal Code, if the organization or maintenance of a place for gambling is committed repeatedly using internet information resources or information-telecommunication networks, it is punishable by a fine of ten thousand to fifteen thousand manats, or restriction of liberty for a term of two to three years, or imprisonment for a term of two to three years.
Furthermore, according to the draft, penalties are also being tightened for allowing minors to participate in gambling.
Thus, if committed by allowing minors to participate in gambling;
– if committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy;
– if committed by obtaining a significant amount of income,
it shall be punishable by restriction of liberty for a term of two to four years or imprisonment for the same term, with a fine of up to double the amount of the income derived from the crime.
According to the current Code, the aforementioned acts are punishable by a fine of ten thousand to fifteen thousand manats, or restriction of liberty for a term of two to three years, or imprisonment for a term of two to three years.
The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in the third reading.