Kazakhstan is launching a major expansion of its legal gambling infrastructure, with the government approving plans to establish new casino zones in four regions.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov confirmed that controlled gaming areas will be developed in Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu, marking one of the most significant shifts in the country’s gaming policy to date.
Strategic Locations for Economic Growth
The country’s new zones are strategically sited to leverage natural tourism assets. Proposed locations include the Caspian Sea coastline in Mangystau and areas surrounding Lake Alakol in Zhetysu. These additions will complement the existing legal gambling enclaves in Borovoye and Kapchagay.
Minister Myrzabosynov emphasized that the primary driver is economic development through tourism. “The government hopes to create bustling entertainment complexes that would attract international and domestic travelers alike,” reports indicate. The state projects that each new casino could generate between 2 billion and 3 billion tenge (approx. $4.3 million to $6.5 million) in annual tax revenue, while creating roughly 500 jobs per venue.
Strict Regulations, No Tax Breaks
Despite the expansion, the government is maintaining a strict regulatory stance. Regional executive authorities will determine the exact territories for construction, ensuring alignment with local development plans. Minister Myrzabosynov explicitly denied rumors of tax incentives for new operators, stating that tax rates per table will remain standard.
The government views this expansion as a scalable initiative. Officials have indicated that if these initial zones prove successful in driving tourism and tax receipts, the framework allows for further expansion in the future. For now, the focus shifts to regional authorities to select the specific sites that will become Kazakhstan’s next hubs for leisure and entertainment.
