Kazakhstan is set to expand the geography of its gambling zones under a new law approved by the Mazhilis, the country’s lower house of parliament, in its second reading.
In addition to the already active zones in Borovoe and Qonaev, casinos may be established along the Caspian Sea coast in the Mangystau region, at Lake Alakol in the Panfilov district, as well as in the Zhetysu, Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions.
Speaking at a government briefing, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sport Yerbol Myrzabossynov, said that the government will determine only the designated areas, while specific land plots for casinos will be selected by regional authorities. According to him, decisions will depend on infrastructure availability and other on-site conditions.
The minister emphasized that expanding gambling zones is viewed as a tool for tourism development and is consistent with international practice. At the same time, he noted that the boundaries of such zones could be expanded further if necessary.
According to ministry estimates, the new casinos are expected to generate approximately $4 million to $6 million in tax revenues annually and create around 500 jobs. Myrzabossynov stressed that the tax burden will not be reduced.
Notably, the initiative has sparked debate in light of a recently adopted law aimed at combating gambling addiction among Kazakhstanis.
According to Myrzabossynov, residents of the areas where new casinos are planned have not opposed the initiative, based on a survey conducted by the ministry. At the same time, the minister believes that the primary clientele of the casinos will be foreign nationals.
