A new law could bring glitzy casino resorts to more corners of Kazakhstan, as the government leans into gambling as a driver of tourism and jobs.
Casino Map Set to Grow Beyond Borovoye and Kapchagay
Kazakhstan is getting ready to roll the dice on expanding its regulated gambling zones, following the late-December approval of new legislation targeting tourism growth. The law opens the door for casinos to operate outside the country’s two current hubs—Borovoye and Kapchagay—and into several newly proposed locations. The plan aims to draw foreign tourists, pump tax revenue into regional budgets, and fuel job creation, all while keeping gambling locked into specific, government-approved areas.
The legal update was passed by the Mazhilis on December 29 under a tourism support bill. It gives authorities the green light to establish additional casino zones in areas with tourism potential, with a clear eye on replicating international models where gaming and travel go hand in hand.
New Regions in Play: From the Caspian to the Almaty Highlands
Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabosynov confirmed that several regions are under consideration for these new casino zones. Among the shortlisted areas: the Caspian Sea coastline in Mangystau, the shores of Lake Alakol in Zhetysu, Almaty’s Talgar District, and the scenic corners of East Kazakhstan, including Markakol and Zaysan.
While the general regions are set, the precise sites haven’t been locked in. That call will be made by local governments—known as akimats—tasked with deciding where casinos could realistically fit into existing or developing tourism infrastructure. This decentralized approach is intended to ensure the buildout supports local planning and aligns with Kazakhstan’s tightly regulated gambling framework, which continues to restrict legal gaming to defined zones and regulated online platforms.
Big Numbers Driving the Push
Myrzabosynov didn’t mince words about the expected payoff. According to the minister, each casino could add 2 to 3 billion tenge (roughly $4.3M to $6.5M) in tax revenue annually and create about 500 jobs. That’s a compelling pitch for regions looking to boost their economies through tourism without diluting tax rules.
The minister also stressed there are no plans to ease tax obligations for casino operators. “There is no question of lowering taxes,” he said during a government briefing, pointing out that operators will continue to pay per gaming table. The government’s message is clear: you can build, but you’ll still pay up.
More Zones May Be on the Table Later
This wave of expansion might just be the beginning. Officials have hinted that if the initial sites prove successful in attracting visitors and generating revenue, more gambling zones could be added down the line.
The underlying strategy follows a familiar global playbook: place casinos in tourism-friendly areas to maximize draw, while keeping social concerns in check by fencing off gambling to regulated zones. By tapping into the entertainment value of casinos, Kazakhstan is betting it can diversify its tourism appeal without opening the floodgates to unchecked gaming.
As regional leaders now move forward with identifying exact plots, the stakes are high—but so is the potential payoff. For casino players and tourists alike, Kazakhstan may soon offer more destinations to try their luck.
