Kazakhstan Restricts Gambling Access to Foreigners in Major Regulatory Overhaul
Added on 27 April, 2026
Kazakhstan is tightening its gambling regulations with a new set of rules that will significantly limit access to certain betting venues. Starting from 17 May, entry to casinos, slot machine halls, and betting facilities in designated regions will be restricted primarily to foreign nationals.
The new policy, introduced under an order from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, allows access only to foreign citizens, employees working within the gambling sector, and individuals entering these venues for official or business-related purposes. The move reflects a broader effort by the government to better regulate the industry while managing its social impact on local populations.
The restrictions will apply to gambling establishments located in several regions, including the Mangystau region along the Caspian Sea, the Panfilov district and Lake Alakol area in the Zhetysu region, the Talgar district in the Almaty region, as well as the Markakol and Zaysan districts in East Kazakhstan. These areas have been identified as key zones for the country’s evolving gambling infrastructure.
Earlier reports had already suggested that new gambling venues in Kazakhstan would be designed to cater exclusively to foreign visitors. This direction was reinforced in March when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislation authorizing the creation of four additional gambling zones. These new zones may be developed in the Mangystau, Zhetysu, Almaty, and East Kazakhstan regions, complementing existing hubs in Kapchagay and Burabay.
Alongside expanding its regulated gambling sector, Kazakhstan is also intensifying efforts to combat illegal operations. In February, authorities shut down a major underground online gambling network that had reportedly generated over KZT 3.1 billion. In a separate case, a Kazakh influencer was detained in Vietnam on suspicion of organizing illegal online gambling activities. Investigators allege he used social media platforms to promote online casinos and earned over KZT 100 million through cryptocurrency transactions.
Further tightening oversight, the government has introduced a mandatory levy on betting activity. Under Resolution No. 167, operators are now required to contribute 3.3% of every accepted wager. This measure, which came into force on 27 March 2026, is part of a wider strategy to formalize the industry and ensure greater state control over gambling revenues.