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Gambling and online casinos in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a regional leader in legalized gambling, where gambling develops under state control.
Unlike neighboring countries, a clear legal framework has been created here, licensed casinos and bookmakers operate, and online gambling is gaining more and more official recognition.
The gambling industry in Kazakhstan has become one of the most dynamic segments of the digital economy, bringing billions of tenge in tax revenues.
Legislative framework
Gambling in Kazakhstan is regulated by a number of laws and regulations that ensure strict but transparent control.
Main regulatory documents:1. Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 219 "On Gambling" (dated January 12, 2007) - establishes licensing rules, territorial restrictions and tax regime.
2. Tax Code (Title XV, Chapter 56) - regulates tax rates on gambling.
3. The Law "On State Regulation and Control of Activities in the Field of Gambling Business" (2022) - enshrined online gambling and a unified settlement system.
4. Government Decree No. 789 (2021) - defines the zones where casinos and slot machines are allowed.
Key points:- gambling is allowed only under license from the Ministry of Culture and Sports;
- land casinos can only operate in two zones - Kapshagay (Almaty region) and Burabay (Akmola region);
- online gambling is regulated from 2022, licensed as "interactive betting";
- all transactions go through the state payment platform QazBet/QazPay;
- gambling advertising is limited and only allowed for licensed operators.
Gambling zones
Kapshagai (Jetisu Gaming Zone)
the largest gambling zone in Kazakhstan;- more than 20 casinos and gaming halls operate (Bombay Casino, Jet Casino, Astoria, Flamingo, Royal Plaza);
- the zone is actively developing as a tourist cluster - hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers;
provides up to 70% of the sector's tax revenue.
Burabay Resort Zone
elite resort in Akmola region;- targeted at VIP clients and foreign tourists;
- Zodiak Casino, Victoria Palace, Rixos Casino;
combines gambling, SPA and family holidays.
Online gambling and betting
Since 2022, Kazakhstan has officially allowed online gambling and interactive betting by introducing a state control system.
Control philosophy:- licensing through the Ministry of Culture and Sports;
- all payments go through a single payment operator QazBet;
- players undergo Identity Identification (KYC) through eGov or Kaspi ID;
- age limit - 21 years;
- foreign operators without a license are blocked;
- advertising is allowed only with a state license.
- Olympbet
- PariMatch Kazakhstan
- 1xBet. kz (local license)
- Tennisi. kz
- MostBet. kz
These companies are required to use local .kz domains and store user data domestically.
Economic indicators
According to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2024):- the volume of the gambling market exceeded 350 billion tenge ($760 million);
- tax revenues from the gambling business amounted to about 25 billion tenge;
- the sector provides more than 10,000 jobs;
- the share of online gambling is about 60% of the total turnover.
Over the past five years, the market has more than doubled, and Kazakhstan has become a regional hub for iGaming companies in Central Asia.
Taxation
Fighting the illegal sector
The state is actively fighting offshore and illegal sites:- since 2021, more than 12,000 illegal domains have been blocked (1xbet. com, GGbet, Stake, Mostbet. com, etc.);
- banks and fintech companies are required to block transfers to offshore sites;
- the participation of citizens in illegal rates entails administrative responsibility - a fine of up to 200 MCI (~ 1.3 million tenge);
- the regulator cooperates with cyber police and payment systems (Kaspi, Halyk, Qiwi).
Social Policy and Responsible Gaming
Kazakhstan is actively implementing the Responsible Play concept to minimize the risks of addiction.
Measures include:- mandatory self-exclusion (player ban list);
- limits on deposits and playing time;
- prohibition of participation of persons under 21 years of age;
- funding the QazSafePlay program aimed at preventing ludomania.
In 2024, the National Gambling Monitoring Center was created to monitor compliance with these standards.
Socio-cultural aspect
Kazakhstan combines a European approach to gambling regulation with traditional values.
Although Islam has significant influence, the state adheres to a secular course, considering gambling a legal business with strict supervision.
The society is divided in opinion:- some see casinos as a tool for tourism and investment;
- others consider gambling a "social evil."
- Nevertheless, transparent regulation and taxation avoid the negative effects observed in countries with a complete ban.
Development prospects
The government of Kazakhstan considers gambling as a tool for digital growth and export of services.
In the coming years, it is planned:1. Development of online gambling with goslicenses (eGaming Kazakhstan).
2. Creation of a third gambling zone on the Caspian coast.
3. Expanding the integration of QazPay and Kaspi ID payment systems.
4. Attracting investment in new casino resorts of international level.
Kazakhstan is one of the most advanced jurisdictions in the CIS and Central Asia in the field of gambling.
Here, casinos and online betting are legal, licensed and generate stable revenue for the state.
And this is what made the country an example of a balanced gambling model,
where economics, law and responsibility exist in the same field.
