Baku: Azerbaijan has taken a significant step toward boosting its economy by legalizing casino operations. President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on July 8, 2025, implementing a law that amends various legal codes, effectively allowing casino activities on artificial land areas in the part of the Caspian Sea belonging to the country.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this move is set to enhance Azerbaijan’s tourism sector by providing tourists with more freedom and entertainment options. Economic expert Khalid Karimli has stated that the legalization of casinos will attract more tourists, similar to what has been observed in neighboring Georgia, which has seen a surge in tourism due to its liberal casino sector. Georgia’s casino turnover reached 28 billion USD in 2024, with significant employment in the sector.
Karimli emphasized that the introduction of casinos in Azerbaijan will benefit multiple sectors of the economy, including hotels, catering, and retail trade. The influx of foreign casino enthusiasts is expected to contribute to comprehensive economic growth, driving development across various industries and increasing employment opportunities.
Tourism expert Rahman Guliyev echoed these sentiments, noting that the establishment of casinos will make Azerbaijan more appealing to wealthy tourists from Kazakhstan, Russia, the Middle East, China, and Turkey. These tourists are known to spend lavishly on hotels, restaurants, and shopping, which will boost the country’s tax revenues and the incomes of sectors linked to tourism.
The move is also expected to attract Azerbaijani tourists who currently travel abroad for casino activities, thereby stimulating domestic tourism. Guliyev highlighted that the presence of casinos could lead to a substantial increase in jobs across various sectors, resulting in economic strengthening and an inflow of foreign currency.
The legalization of casinos marks a new phase in Azerbaijan’s economic strategy, aiming to diversify beyond its oil-dependent economy. With proper regulation and transparent licensing, this initiative has the potential to revitalize the domestic market and elevate Azerbaijan’s status as a prime international tourism destination.