A network of illegal land-based and online casinos was suppressed in Kazakhstan

The situation with gambling business in Kazakhstan resembles the Russian reality. There are several gambling zones where land-based gambling establishments are located. It is prohibited to register and open online casinos in the country, but foreign gaming resources with a license operate there and, although their activities are not controlled by the state, many locals and visitors spend time in them.

Naturally, the authorities and law enforcement agencies are trying to limit the illegal operation of the underground gambling business in every possible way. Accordingly, from time to time there is information that in Kazakhstan suppressed the activities of illegal land-based casinos and online clubs. Recently it became known that three residents of Astana organized underground business. As a result, their income amounted to more than 44 million tenge (9 million rubles). As the investigation found out, the citizens of the country organized an underground poker game. After conducting the necessary investigative measures, the organizers of the game were sentenced to four years of imprisonment.

As investigators found out, the game was held in several places. For this purpose, the criminal group rented apartments, hotel rooms and guest houses. The organizers acted with real scope. In addition to hired dealers, they arranged the premises, creating the entourage of a real gambling establishment. At the same time, the guests were offered free drinks and food. At the trial, two of the accused partially admitted their guilt. The third, as well as during the pre-trial activities, went into "deaf ears". However, it did not help. The whole criminal group was convicted.

In parallel with this case, another case was being investigated. Another group of defendants organized a game of underground online casino. The daily income from illegal gambling activities amounted to about 800 thousand tenge (165 thousand rubles). It is known that the criminal group received an average of 800 thousand tenge daily from its illegal activities. Players were offered to follow a link in one of the Telegram channels to replenish their personal gambling balance. After a successful financial transaction, they were able to run scripted slots for money. Thus, the criminal group not only organized an illegal online casino, but also received income in a fraudulent way, offering participation in games with a known losing result.