Kazakhstan was previously a part of the Soviet Union. Under the Soviet Union, all forms of gambling were strictly prohibited. After independence (in 1991), casinos started popping up in Kazakhstan, but their activities largely remained unregulated.
As mentioned before, Kazakh punters endured a long wait before gambling was finally legalized in the country, albeit in designated areas - Borovoe (in the Akmola region) and Kapchagai (in the Almaty region). Since 2007, luxurious casinos have skyrocketed in the gambling zones, primarily to attract affluent tourists from neighboring China.
Over the years, the rich have inspired the choice of gambling zones. This explains why land-based gambling in Kazakhstan remains a preserve of a few who can fund their betting exploits.
Gambling Nowadays in Kazakhstan
The passing of gambling regulations in 2007 was a critical turning point in the country. However, this has since resulted in categorizing gamblers into two main groups; high rollers who prefer wagering at land-based casinos and players who play wager online. Ideally, land-based gambling in Kazakhstan is mainly left to the rich in society and wealthy tourists. In contrast, other players are forced to turn to online casino sites, which provide more convenience.
Legally, Kazakh punters can wager at online casinos licensed and regulated in other countries. The Kazakh online gambling landscape is a million-dollar industry with substantial room for growth. As of now, numerous online casinos accept Kazakhstan punters offering their services in Kazakh and Russian. It is worth noting that online play is deemed "semi-legal." However, without a legal basis to block Kazakhs from registering at offshore casinos, players are free to join any offshore-based online casino in Kazakhstan, provided it is dully licensed and regulated.
Lotteries are big business in Kazakhstan. Online lotteries enjoy massive appeal in the country for their convenience. Most casinos in the country offer lotto games. The Kazakhstan government has been licensing lottery operators since 2016 and depriving them of the right to run other online casino games.
There are several positives about the Kazakhstan gambling industry, and there is a lot more to come.
Future of Online Casinos in Kazakhstan
The future of online casinos gaming in Kazakhstan is undoubtedly bright. Even though the authorities remain focused on promoting land-based play, the number of online operators targeting Kazakhs will keep increasing because playing from home is becoming more fashionable to punters.
The development of internet infrastructure in the country has played an instrumental role in enhancing access to online gaming sites. Other modern technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) are also poised to enhance the online gambling experience.
In addition, the push for laws that are more liberal than restrictive could also be central to making the gambling atmosphere more attractive. Overall, online gambling has a promising future in Kazakhstan.
