Mongolia Greenlights Sports Betting While Upholding Casino Prohibition

    Mongolia Greenlights Sports Betting While Upholding Casino Prohibition
    Article by : SlotsUp Team Mar 26, 2025

    The Mongolian government has rolled out a groundbreaking law that permits sports betting but keeps a firm grip on banning all other gaming activities. This move, officials say, is designed to shield citizens from scams while bolstering the nation’s financial stability.

    Highlights of the New Legislation

    • Licensing Framework: A structured system now governs bookmakers, ensuring only approved operators can function.
    • Tougher Oversight: Enhanced rules aim to stamp out fraudulent practices in the betting sector.
    • Casino Ban Stays: Online casinos and other gaming forms remain off-limits, with no exceptions.
    • Heavier Fines: Those caught using illegal casino sites face penalties of up to 100,000 tugriks (roughly $28.83).
    • Crackdown on Enablers: Individuals or entities supporting illicit gaming — through bank accounts, payment channels, or telecom networks—will also face punishment.

    Targeting Illegal Operations

    Chief Cabinet Secretary Uchral Nyam-Osor revealed that 2023 saw 200 gaming-related economic crimes in Mongolia, resulting in losses totaling 417.2 billion tugriks ($144 million). Further probes uncovered that 1.7 trillion tugriks ($541.8 million) had flowed out of the country, largely tied to gaming. Despite efforts to block 6,000 unauthorized betting sites, operators keep finding ways to skirt restrictions.

    Authorities admit current penalties lack the teeth to deter violators and are pushing for harsher consequences. Plans are also underway to outlaw casino advertisements and paid puzzles resembling betting schemes.

    Options for Mongolian Gamblers

    With online casinos still forbidden, some Mongolians are exploring workarounds to satisfy their gaming interests. Since domestic options are limited, offshore casinos have become a go-to for many. Here’s how players are adapting:

    1. VPN Usage: Virtual Private Networks help users mask their location, unlocking access to overseas casino sites.
    2. Crypto Transactions: Bitcoin and other digital currencies offer a discreet way to fund accounts and cash out winnings, sidestepping traditional banks.
    3. Global E-wallets: Services like Skrill and Neteller provide seamless payment alternatives for those avoiding local financial systems.
    4. Legal Betting Shift: With sports betting now permitted, licensed bookmakers offer a lawful outlet for casino enthusiasts.

    What Lies Ahead

    Legalizing sports betting signals a pivotal change in Mongolia’s gaming landscape, yet the casino ban underscores a conservative stance. The government hopes to curb monetary losses and safeguard its people, but demand for online gaming isn’t fading. Should illegal activity persist, policymakers might pivot toward tighter regulations instead of blanket prohibitions.

    For now, Mongolian players are left balancing legal sports betting with creative ways to tap into restricted online options. As this dynamic unfolds, both the casino industry and regulatory framework in Mongolia are poised for further transformation.