Regional authorities in Kazakhstan have defined five areas where casinos and other gambling businesses may operate, advancing plans to establish new gaming zones aimed at international visitors.
The designated territories are located in East Kazakhstan, Zhetysu and Mangystau, according to resolutions adopted by the regions’ akimats, or local executive administrations.
East Kazakhstan has identified two sites in the Markakol district. One is situated in the Toskain rural district, 8.2km north of Urunkhaika, while the other lies in the Markakol rural district, 500 metres south of Akzhaylau. Coordinates and boundaries are included in the regional resolution.
In Zhetysu, a decree dated 30 June designated an area on the shore of Lake Alakol near Akshi village. The resolution permits casinos, slot halls, bookmakers and totalisator facilities, including retail betting counters, within the defined territory.
Mangystau’s administration identified two further areas on the Caspian Sea coast through a resolution adopted on 21 July. Their boundaries are set out in appendices to the document.
The decisions were made under Article 11 of Kazakhstan’s Gambling Business Law. However, they establish only the geographical limits within which gambling venues may legally be placed. They do not constitute planning or construction approval for specific projects.
Kazakhstan previously authorised four additional gambling-zone regions: Mangystau, Zhetysu, Almaty and East Kazakhstan. The latest resolutions therefore provide specific locations in three of those regions, while no corresponding site in Almaty was identified in the announcement.
Rules introduced earlier in 2026 restrict access to selected new gambling areas to foreign nationals, employees and people entering for official work. The government has presented the model as a way to attract international tourists and develop resort infrastructure while limiting direct exposure among Kazakh citizens.
Potential developers would still require the applicable regulatory, investment and construction approvals before proceeding.
Kazakh officials estimate that each new casino could generate KZT2bn-KZT3bn in annual tax revenue and create approximately 500 jobs
