Kazakhstan identifies four regions for new casino developments

Kazakhstan plans to expand its regulated casino market beyond its two existing gaming zones by allowing new developments in East Kazakhstan, Almaty, Mangistau and Zhetysu, according to the Qazinform News Agency.

The proposed projects were identified by the government under a tourism initiative presented by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Baurzhan Rapikov. Under the plan, the casinos would be open exclusively to foreign visitors.

“The expected economic impact includes around 500 jobs per casino, annual tax revenues of 2–4 billion tenge (about $4.3 million – $8.6 million), and an increase in the number of gambling tourists from the current 100,000 to 200,000,” the deputy minister said.

Rapikov confirmed the facilities would operate under access restrictions that limit entry to international guests, differentiating them from existing casino zones where both local and foreign patrons are allowed.

Casino activity in Kazakhstan is currently restricted to two designated zones: Konayev in the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye Resort Area in the Akmola region. Both domestic and international guests are permitted to enter these existing venues.

Kazakhstan’s tourism sector generated 1 trillion 254 billion tenge, or about $2.7 billion, in recent revenues. The new casino plan was outlined within a wider tourism framework to further drive growth in this industry.