On March 21, 2026, Kazakhstan officially signed amendments to its law on “Gambling Business,” according to the international news agency Kazinform, enabling the creation of four new regulated gaming zones as part of a broader economic and tourism strategy.
The reform builds on a strict zoning model established in 2007, under which gambling is only permitted in designated areas and is fully prohibited elsewhere in the country. Until now, operations were limited to two zones: Kapchagay (near Almaty) and Shchuchinsk (Burabay). The new amendments expand this framework without fully liberalizing the market.
The newly authorized zones include the Mangistau region (Caspian Sea coast), the Panfilov district and Alakol Lake area in Zhetysu, the Talgar district in Almaty region, and the Markakol area with the Zaisan district in East Kazakhstan—strategically selected for tourism development and cross-border accessibility.
Under the updated law, operators must obtain state-issued licenses, comply with strict AML and financial monitoring rules, and operate exclusively within approved zones. The framework also maintains restrictions on local participation, limits advertising, and enforces tight state oversight to mitigate social risks.
Currently, Kazakhstan’s gambling market—restricted to its two existing zones—generates an estimated $300 million to $500 million annually, driven by land-based casinos and regional tourism. With the expansion to six zones, authorities aim to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue, supported by hundreds of millions in new investments, with each new zone expected to attract between $100 million and $300 million in development capital.
The strategy focuses on destination gaming, combining casinos with resorts, hotels, and entertainment complexes to increase tourist spending. Kazakhstan already receives over 9 million visitors per year, but average spending remains relatively low compared to mature gaming destinations.
By maintaining strict geographic control while expanding capacity, Kazakhstan is not deregulating gambling—it is scaling a controlled economic model designed to attract foreign capital, boost tourism, and position the country as an emerging gaming hub in Central Asia.
