Kazakhstan expands gambling zones for foreign visitors

Kazakhstan has approved the creation of four new gambling zones exclusively for foreign visitors after Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country's Head of State, signed amendments to the existing law governing the activity, Qazinform News Agency reported.

The amendments, introduced under the law on tourism and children’s sports, revise existing gambling regulations and designate new zones in the Mangistau region along the Caspian Sea coast; the Panfilov district, and the shores of Lake Alakol in the Zhetysu region; the Talgar district in the Almaty region; and the Markakol area and Zaisan district in the East Kazakhstan region.

Under the updated law, gambling facilities—including casinos, slot machine halls, betting shops, and totalizators—are strictly prohibited in specially protected natural areas, as well as on land designated for historical, cultural, defense, or national security purposes.

The legislation also introduces tighter access controls. Entry will be limited to foreign citizens, stateless persons, and authorized personnel such as employees and individuals present for official duties.

At present, gambling in Kazakhstan is confined to two designated zones, namely the city of Konaev in the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort area in the Akmola region. Both locations currently allow access to Kazakh citizens and foreign visitors.