A socio-economic study examining the establishment of gambling areas restricted to foreign tourists was conducted in Kazakhstan. The press service of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed the study’s results.
According to the ministry, citizens of Kazakhstan will not be allowed to enter these designated areas. The boundaries of the gambling zones for foreign tourists will be designated by the regional authorities where they are located.
The surveys indicate that a majority of residents support the establishment of casinos for foreign tourists. In the Zhetysu region, 67% of respondents do not oppose the initiative, as do 54.5% in the Almaty region. However, in the Mangystau region, public sentiment was more mixed, with 46% supporting the idea of establishing such gambling zones.
The estimated revenue generated by casinos in the Almaty region through 2028 is roughly $12.7 million in taxes, along with the creation of 2,000 permanent jobs.
Under the initiative, the Zhetysu region could expect around 700 jobs and approximately $4.7 million in taxes through 2029. The Mangystau region is expected to receive 7,000 jobs and $2.3 million in taxes.
Currently, there are two gambling zones operating in Kazakhstan — Borovoe and Qonaev.
