Gambling in Kazakhstan: the "nuts" continue to be tightened

Control over gambling is being significantly tightened in the republic. Just the other day, Deputy Prime Minister for Culture and Sports E. Erkinbaev presented to the public a package of measures, which is supposed to restore order in this area. First of all, attention was drawn to the emergence of new bans and restrictions for bookmakers and residents who prefer to entertain themselves by betting on sports. According to the government - it is necessary to fight against gambling addiction.

The official noted that there is a very bad trend of suicides and defaulting on large debts (loans) in the country. He directly linked this situation to the significant financial losses of gamers, who eventually failed to cope with the problem and solved the issue in such a radical way. Deputy Prime Minister said that the work on the three bills is almost completed. They have prepared more than 60 amendments regulating gambling in the country. Preventive and preventive measures are also envisaged. The government advocates the introduction of criminal liability for the opening of illegal gambling establishments. According to the official, previously there was no liability at all for gambling violations, which is hard to believe.

In addition, the Kazakh authorities propose to increase the age at which citizens can visit casinos from 21 to 25 years old. Also, the country is going to ban the activities of foreign BCs operating without a local license. In their favor, they want to ban money transfers made by clients of BC. A ban on advertising of totalizators and BCs is also envisaged. Also, the authorities want to close stand-alone halls with slot machines, and at the same time to check their owners for violations of the law. By the way, checks in respect of gambling establishments began last year. As a result, several BCs, totalizators and slot machine halls have already been closed in the country.