Citizens of Kazakhstan are among the most gambling citizens in the world
In recent years, a generation has grown up in Kazakhstan that has become even more addicted to gambling than their older compatriots. Recent studies have yielded shocking results. It turns out that every fifth resident of the country suffers from ludomania. In fact, this is as many as 20% of the entire population. If we take into account that children and teenagers, as well as the elderly, are not keen on gambling, the situation turns out to be completely depressing.
The problem has become so large-scale that a meeting of Majilis deputies and young people representing the public was recently held on this issue. The topic of tightening amendments to the Criminal Code and the Administrative Code was raised, which will help to influence such a negative state of affairs. At the same time, it should be taken into account that most gambling addicts are not ready to admit the fact of their addiction, so their rehabilitation is difficult. In this regard, ideas are emerging about introducing a mandatory ban on visiting gambling establishments for citizens noticed in gambling addiction. Deputies are ready to come to the aid of the relatives of such gamers. They propose identifying addicts and prohibiting them from visiting casinos and gaming halls using various tools:
- conclusions obtained from psychologists and psychiatrists;
- analysis of the time spent by a gamer in a gambling establishment;
- preventive talks and explanations;
- other tools.
All of the above can work if we take into account that players visit official gambling establishments. Unfortunately, today in Kazakhstan, despite the legality of casinos, underground halls also operate. This trend is also noted online. A rather deplorable situation with the illegal gambling business can be traced by studying the statistics.
Thus, in three and a half years, law enforcement agencies have opened almost 1,150 criminal cases on the illegal provision of gambling services. To date, more than 900 cases have been fully investigated and referred to court. Nevertheless, there is a tendency to reduce such crimes. For example, if in 2019 more than 200 illegal gaming terminals were identified, then in 2023 only 28 were confiscated, and although the year has not yet ended, it can be assumed that there will be significantly fewer of them than before.
