Kazakhstan is preparing to significantly tighten rules on the promotion of online gambling, with regulators and lawmakers signalling tougher penalties for influencers and intermediaries involved in advertising illegal casino platforms.
A group of senators is advancing an initiative to introduce criminal penalties for influencers who advertise online casinos and organise “giveaways.”
Kairat Bizhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), notes that criminalisation of such activity is a global trend.
AFM officials stated: "It should be noted that the law does not directly impose liability for online casino advertising. Moreover, the current administrative penalties are disproportionate to the profits earned by those advertising online gambling.
"This motivates them to continue their illegal activities. For example, one influencer-musician has already faced five administrative charges."
The proposed tougher penalties have already received support from the Presidential Administration. The AFM, together with the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been tasked with finalising the measures by the end of the year.
In related developments, a Kazakhstani influencer has recently been arrested in Vietnam on suspicion of running an illegal gambling operation, according to reports.
Authorities said he repeatedly posted promotional videos for online casinos on social media to encourage users to gamble.
Officials allege the scheme generated more than KZT 100m ($210,538) in illegal profits, with funds reportedly transferred to a cryptocurrency wallet linked to the suspect.
Separately, the FMA is conducting an international search for influencer Ilyar Yuvashov in connection with an alleged online casino network.
Kazakhstan will limit access to casinos, slot machine halls and betting venues in several regions to foreign nationals only from 17 May
