Kazakhstan is transforming into a "Kaz-Vegas," alluding to a strong resemblance to the famous Las Vegas in the United States.
Gambling Industry in Kazakhstan: Controlled Growth and Foreign Investment
In 2007, Kazakhstan made a significant move in its gambling industry, adopting Law No. 219-3 "On Gambling Business". This law required all casinos to relocate to two specially created gambling zones: Southern in Almaty region and Northern in Shchuchinsk district. This regulatory change aimed to control and monitor the sector, attract investment, and prevent uncontrolled expansion of gambling throughout the country.
Fast forward to 2025, and Kazakhstan's gambling industry is officially confined to designated gambling zones. This approach limits gambling activities to specific areas, such as the resort complex "Kenderli" on the Caspian Sea coast, 220 km from the city of Atyrau, and Tengri Resort in the Almaty region.
Foreign companies have shown interest in Kazakhstan's gambling market, but their operations are typically regulated within these designated zones to ensure compliance with local laws. Big Lifestyle Development (Seychelles) Ltd. (BLDL) has been granted exclusive rights to develop in the region and plans to build several integrated hotel-casinos. Negotiations are underway for the construction of an airport in Kenderli, with proposals from Chinese companies.
The government's cautious but strategic approach mirrors its handling of the digital crypto sector, where it encourages innovation and foreign involvement but maintains strict regulation and licensing. This balanced approach is evident in the ongoing development of the "Kenderli" resort, which spans 6.5 hectares and is adjacent to a 140-kilometer long lake and a new highway and high-speed railway. The resort will feature 22 hotels and 16,400 residential units with a total capacity of 60,000 beds.
Future development prospects depend on Kazakhstan’s ability to maintain effective regulatory oversight while leveraging gambling zones as tourist and economic development centers. The broader economic strategies, including digital finance growth (crypto and fintech incentives), indicate Kazakhstan may gradually integrate more sophisticated gambling and gaming ecosystems, possibly incorporating iGaming under strict controls, aligned with its digital economy ambitions.
However, the rise of online gambling became a major concern for Kazakh authorities in 2016, prompting a series of legislative and enforcement measures aimed at modernizing the legal framework and cracking down on illegal activities. As of now, there are 12 legal casinos operating in the Kapshagay gambling zone, and 5 in the Shchuchinsk zone.
Interestingly, Iranian tourism companies have proposed to establish a casino in the "Kenderli" resort, which could significantly boost its appeal to Iranian tourists. Meanwhile, many Almaty casinos have adapted by posing as poker halls, lottery clubs, and other surrogate establishments, while others have transformed into restaurants and nightclubs.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s gambling industry currently operates exclusively through designated gambling zones, with foreign companies participating under strict licensing; prospects for development hinge on regulatory evolution and integration with the country’s growing digital and tourism sectors.
