GLI Officially Recognized as a Laboratory in Uzbekistan
Gaming Laboratories International has been included by the National Agency for Perspective Projects of Uzbekistan, allowing its certifications to be valid for operators and suppliers in the growing local market.
Key Takeaways
- Uzbekistan has officially included Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) among the laboratories accepted by NAPP.
- GLI's report acceptance enables operators and suppliers to enter Uzbekistan's gaming market under the new regulatory framework.
- GLI continues to collaborate with the Uzbek authority as technical details of the regulatory framework are refined.
- GLI has certified nearly 2 million products and operates in over 710 jurisdictions.
- The Uzbek gaming market has already granted four licenses to two operators.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) is now listed on the official roster of recognized laboratories by the National Agency for Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NAPP). This decision, announced on August 25, 2026, authorizes that certification and testing reports issued by GLI be accepted by regulators, operators, and suppliers looking to enter the Uzbek gaming market. The Afghan sector is currently in its operational phase, following the issuance of four licenses to two different operators.
GLI and Its Role in Uzbekistan's Regulatory Expansion
The inclusion of GLI in the list of laboratories approved by the NAPP marks a key step towards consolidating the regulated gaming environment in Uzbekistan. This recognition facilitates access for interested operators and suppliers to the market, as they can submit products certified according to GLI standards.
Uzbekistan has begun issuing licenses under its new regulatory framework. To date, two operators have received a total of four licenses, confirming the country's transition towards a regulated gaming structure within the Central Asian context.
The Strategic Value of GLI Accreditation
Being part of the laboratories accredited by the National Agency for Perspective Projects places GLI in a privileged position for future developments in the sector. The laboratory, with international experience in emerging and newly regulated markets, strengthens its engagement in Central Asia.
Lucas Zavarise, Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs for EMEIA at GLI, stated:
“Uzbekistan is on track to become a key regulated market in Central Asia, and GLI is proud to be one of the first testing laboratories accepted under the current framework. This reflects the extent of our regulatory expertise in emerging markets.”
The collaboration between GLI and the NAPP remains active as both organizations continue to tweak the technical details of the regulatory framework to ensure controlled and sustainable sector development according to international standards.
Implications for Operators, Suppliers, and Regulation in Uzbekistan
With this certification, any operator or supplier wishing to introduce gaming products in Uzbekistan will be able to submit reports and certifications issued by GLI to meet NAPP requirements. This streamlines the market entry process and provides regulatory certainties, which are fundamental given the opening of new gaming frameworks.
During this August, management teams from GLI and the NAPP held meetings to discuss both the implementation of the framework and future collaboration regarding testing and regulation. Technically, part of the framework is still under development, and GLI continues to work closely with the NAPP to align requirements.
Profile and Background of Gaming Laboratories International
GLI is a global TIC (Testing, Inspection, and Certification) company specializing in testing, inspection, and certification services for the land-based gaming, lottery, and iGaming industries. Since its inception in 1989, the company has certified nearly 2 million products and evaluated equipment for over 710 jurisdictions worldwide, resulting in more than 5.3 million certified gaming components.
GLI operates an international network of laboratories across six continents and holds accreditations, both in the United States and abroad, to meet ISO/IEC standards in technical competence within the gaming, wagering, and lottery industries. This extensive experience allows it to advise suppliers, operators, and regulators to ensure that innovation in gaming meets regulatory requirements.
Outlook for Regulated Growth in Central Asia
Uzbekistan's new regulatory framework reinforces the role of the NAPP as a regulator and creates opportunities for companies that meet high international standards, like GLI. Ongoing contact between the two entities will be critical for the sector's development in the region and to ensure that expansion occurs within globally recognized technical and integrity parameters.
Entities such as the National Agency for Perspective Projects of Uzbekistan and laboratories like GLI are defining the regulatory standard for the region, which could potentially drive business opportunities and innovation in a gaming market that is entering its first stage of consolidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GLI's inclusion in the list of recognized laboratories by NAPP of Uzbekistan mean?
NAPP now accepts the testing and certification reports issued by GLI, allowing operators and suppliers to use these documents to meet regulatory requirements and access the Uzbekistan market.
How many gaming licenses has Uzbekistan issued to date?
So far, NAPP has issued four gaming licenses to two operators in the country, marking the operational start of the regulated sector.
Is GLI involved in adjusting Uzbekistan's regulatory framework?
GLI maintains an active dialogue with NAPP to collaborate on the technical development of the framework and support the long-term growth of the sector.
What is GLI's international experience in gaming certification?
Since 1989, GLI has certified nearly 2 million products in over 710 jurisdictions, participating in land-based markets, lotteries, and global iGaming.
Why is GLI's recognition in Uzbekistan relevant to operators?
NAPP's endorsement allows operators to validate their products with GLI reports, streamlining market entry and providing regulatory assurances in a newly legalized environment.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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