Casinos for foreigners set for two locations in southeastern Kazakhstan

Photo: Unsplash, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Previous reports suggested that two areas would be designated for casinos open only to foreign nationals in the Zhetysu region of southeastern Kazakhstan. These were the Lake Alakol shoreline and an area near the international transport corridor in the Panfilov district. The exact boundaries and sizes of the areas designated for gambling businesses have now been revealed, Kursiv.media learned from a decree issued by the regional akimat (local administration), which takes effect on Nov. 5.

Locations of the planned casinos

According to the document, two areas have been designated for casinos and slot machine halls.

Lake Alakol shoreline: on the Akshi village side, in the Yrgaity rural district of the Alakol district.
Near the village of Aidarly: along the international transport corridor, on the Aidarly rural district side, in the Panfilov district.

The boundaries of both areas are outlined in the appendices to the document.

The Lake Alakol shoreline on the Akshi village side. The boundaries of the proposed gambling zone are shown in red / zan.gov.kz

The area along the international transport corridor on the Aidarly rural district side. Existing settlement boundaries are outlined in blue, while the proposed gambling zone boundaries are shown in red / zan.gov.kz

Only foreign nationals and stateless persons will be allowed to visit the planned casinos. Kazakhstani citizens will be allowed on the premises only in connection with their work or official duties. This applies to casino employees and other personnel working at the venues.

It is worth noting that the document does not specify how many casinos will be built or when they will open.

The decree also provides for the repeal of the akimat’s June 30, 2026, decree, which previously set the boundaries of the gambling zone along the Lake Alakol shoreline. The earlier decree covered not only casinos and slot machine halls but also bookmakers and pool betting operators.

Other areas in Kazakhstan designated for foreign-only casinos

In late August 2026, the Kazakh government approved a list of areas where casinos and slot machine halls open only to foreign nationals and stateless persons may be established.

The list also includes designated areas in the Almaty, Mangystau, East Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan and Abai regions.