In Kazakhstan, the creation of new gambling zones is planned, which may appear in regions such as Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu. This was announced by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov in an interview broadcasted by Tengrinews.kz.
According to the new legislation, in addition to the already existing zones in Borovoe and Kapshagay, the opening of casinos is planned in the following locations:
- on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Mangystau;
- in the Panfilov district of Zhetysu on the shores of Lake Alakol;
- in the Talgar district of Almaty region;
- in the Markakol area and Zaisan district of East Kazakhstan region.
However, specific locations for the placement of casinos in these regions have not yet been established.
Yerbol Myrzabosynov noted that the decision on the selection of specific sites will be made by local akimats.
“We are developing the zones, but the final sites will be determined by local executive bodies, taking into account infrastructure and other aspects,” the minister explained.
The minister also added that the development of gambling zones is seen as a way to stimulate the tourism industry, emphasizing that such practices are actively used in other countries.
Taxes and Jobs
According to Yerbol Myrzabosynov, each new casino will contribute from 2 to 3 billion tenge in tax revenues to the budget annually and create about 500 new jobs.
He also denied rumors about a possible reduction in taxes for the gambling business.
“The issue of reducing the tax burden is not on the table. Casinos are required to pay taxes on each gaming table. In total, tax revenues will amount to between two and three billion tenge,” the minister noted.
The government allows for the possibility of increasing the number of gambling zones in the future.
“At the moment, these zones are defined, but their number may increase in the future to develop the tourism sector,” added Yerbol Myrzabosynov.
Earlier, there were reports about plans to open casinos in certain locations in Almaty region.
