Starting May 17, Kazakhstan enforces new rules regarding access to casinos and gaming halls. Gambling establishments are now required to deny entry to citizens who have been officially banned, reports Todayinfo.
The restrictions apply to casinos and gaming halls in the Mangystau region on the Caspian Sea coast, Zhetysu region, Talgar district of Almaty region, and Markakol and Zaysan districts of East Kazakhstan region. The state is actively taking measures to reduce Kazakhstani citizens' involvement in gambling.
According to official statistics, over 5 million people have been unsubscribed from gambling business advertising, about 2,000 billboards have been dismantled, and more than 22,000 illegal sites are blocked annually. However, experts say the problem remains acute due to the accessibility of online platforms.
“The problem of gambling addiction is that it is very accessible and detected late. At the stage of treatment and rehabilitation, it is the most difficult form of addictive behavior to treat,” says practicing psychologist Svetlana Alekseeva.
Despite stricter rules, the state is simultaneously developing the gambling business as a tool to attract investment and tourism. One casino can generate up to 3 billion tenge per year and create about 700 jobs. New gaming zones on the Caspian coast will operate exclusively for foreigners.
“These zones are intended for organizing gambling only for foreign individuals. Our citizens do not have the right to visit these establishments. The only exception is for those who work there,” explained lawyer Rauan Kaliev.
In Kazakhstan, the list of persons non grata in gambling establishments already includes civil servants, law enforcement and supervisory officials, as well as citizens with debts. According to official data, there are currently more than 3 million such people.
