Kazakhstan plans to open new gaming zones in several regions of the country, including Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu, announced Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov.
According to Kazakh media reports, new legislation provides for the opening of additional casinos alongside those already operating in Borovoye and Kapchagay.
Proposed locations for the new casinos include the Caspian Sea coast in Mangystau, the shore of Lake Alakol in the Panfilov District of Zhetysu, the Talgar District in Almaty, as well as the Markakol area and Zaysan District in East Kazakhstan.
Gambling in the country is permitted but restricted to designated zones, mainly in Almaty and Shchuchinsk. Online gambling is also regulated.
However, the exact sites in these regions have not yet been finalized, with local akimats responsible for selecting the specific locations.
Myrzabosynov emphasized that the expansion of gambling zones is aimed solely at boosting tourism, noting that similar measures are used in other countries. According to him, each new casino is expected to generate between 2 and 3 billion tenge (approximately $4.3–$6.5 million) annually in tax revenues and create around 500 jobs.
The minister also dismissed any claims that the government intends to lower taxes for the gambling industry, stating, “There is no question of lowering taxes. Casinos are taxed on every gaming table, and we expect total tax contributions to range from two to three billion tenge.”
In addition, the government indicated that while the current gaming zones have already been identified, their number and scope could be expanded in the future to stimulate tourism.
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