During a session of the Kazakhstani Parliament’s Senate, Deputy Amangeldy Yesbay proposed amendments to legislation on supporting tourism. The changes expand the list of regions where gambling facilities may be established.
In addition to Kapchagay and Burabay, new gambling zones might also be established in the Mangystau, Zhetysu, Almaty, and East Kazakhstan regions.
The new casinos are intended exclusively to boost tourism and only foreign visitors will be allowed to enter these gambling zones.
Yesbay announced that gambling establishments will receive legal status as independent tourism facilities.
He added that procedures for their placement along tourist routes, as well as for their construction, are being formalised.
Yesbay clarified that clearly defining the boundaries of gambling zones and introducing environmental restrictions will ensure the sector's systematic development without harming natural and cultural heritage.
First discussions on additional gambling zones in Kazakhstan began in late 2025.
Back then, Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov stated: "These zones have been defined today, and they may even expand further in the future."
He clarified that the exact locations of these zones within the designated regions have not yet been determined.
The responsibility for selecting specific sites lies with the akimats, the primary regional executive bodies.
According to Myrzabosynov, each new casino is expected to generate between 2 and 3 billion tenge ($4m–$6m) in annual tax revenue and create approximately 500 jobs.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov dismissed claims suggesting a reduction in the tax burden on the casinos
