Major plans to reintroduce casinos have been presented to Azerbaijan’s Parliament in a bid to boost tourism in the nation.

According to draft amendments of the Law on State Fees, casinos would specifically be allowed on artificial islands in the Caspian Sea and in some coastal areas in the north and south of the country.

Those seeking to open a casino in the country would be required to pay an annual licence fee of AZN340,000 ($200,000), and participation will be limited to those over the age of 21.

If successful, the decision would reverse a ban on casinos implemented in 1998. Currently, only state-run lotteries and licensed retail sports betting are legally permitted.

Proponents of the reintroduction point to the economic benefits of introducing casinos, highlighting the revenue generated by neighbouring countries.

Speaking to Report News Agency, MP Vugar Bayramov, a member of the Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Committee, commented: “Many tourism countries allow casino operations, and this could be one such step for Azerbaijan.

“Although Georgia is smaller than Azerbaijan in territory and population, it leads in tourism revenues. A significant portion of Georgian casino revenues comes from foreign clients, including tourists from Azerbaijan.”

In 2024, Georgia reported that its gambling sector generated a turnover of $28bn (£20.6bn) and employs over 20,000 people. As an indicator of the appetite for casinos in the country, it is estimated that 20% of Georgia’s turnover was generated by visitors from Azerbaijan.

Singer and businessman Emin Agalarov, the former son-in-law of the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, has also expressed to local media his interest in opening a casino at his Sea Breeze resort on the Absheron Peninsula – claiming that the Nardaran settlement where Sea Breeze is located could become the ‘Abershon Las Vegas’.

He said: “Sea Breeze would benefit significantly if we could integrate the gambling business. This is being considered by the state. Everyone understands that casinos are a tourist attraction. If this plan can be implemented, the project will be completely finished.”

The proposed legislation now needs to be considered within Azerbaijan’s Parliament, and a vote is expected imminently. 

The introduction of casinos remains a key consideration for countries seeking to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.

Legislation is currently progressing in Thailand that will allow the inclusion of casinos within integrated resorts in several tourist hotspots. Meanwhile, the UAE awaits the opening of its first casino upon the completion of Wynn Resorts’ proposed venue in 2027.

Elsewhere, after opening its regulated online gaming market at the beginning of 2025, Brazilian Senators have renewed the push for House Leaders to consider a bill to bring land-based casinos to the country. Leaders have repeatedly reiterated the financial benefits of establishing a land-based casino market, suggesting that investments following the bill’s approval could reach R$100bn ($13.5bn) and could generate 1.5 million jobs in the country.

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