Kazakhstan has introduced updated rules restricting access to casinos, slot machine halls and betting venues in several regions to foreign nationals only. The changes will take effect on 17 May.
Under an order issued by the Minister of Tourism and Sports only foreign citizens, gambling industry employees and other individuals entering for official work purposes will be permitted access to selected gambling facilities.
The restrictions apply to venues located in the Mangystau region on the Caspian Sea coast, Panfilov district and the Lake Alakol area in the Zhetysu region, Talgar district in the Almaty region, as well as the Markakol and Zaysan districts in East Kazakhstan.
Previously, it was reported that new gambling establishments in Kazakhstan would only be open to foreign nationals.
In March, Kazakhstani President Tokayev signed a law establishing four new gambling zones in the country.
In addition to the existing zones in Kapchagay and Burabay, new gambling areas may be created in the Mangystau, Zhetysu, Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions.
In addition to expanding the legal offer, Kazakhstan has been ramping up operations to tackle the illegal market. In February, authorities dismantled an illegal online gambling operation reportedly generating over KZT 3.1bn.
Separately, a Kazakhstani influencer was arrested in Vietnam over allegations of running an illegal online gambling operation
Authorities say he promoted online casinos on social media and allegedly generated more than KZT 100m in illicit profits via crypto transfers.
Meanwhile, a recent regulation introduced mandatory deductions on every bet placed in betting shops and totalisators.
Under Government Resolution No. 167, gambling operators are required to transfer 3.3% of each accepted bet. This regulation came into effect on 27 March 2026.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports anticipates that the influx of foreign gambling visitors will double once new casinos open in four regions of the country
