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Kazakhstan is a big and populous country, being one of the largest in the CIS. It can be called a promising region for the gambling business. More than 15 years of special legislation have created a stable and gradually developing industry due to investment-friendly policy, easy licensing, and government control.
This article was updated on April 23, 2026.
Why is Kazakhstan attractive to gambling businesses?
Kazakhstan is appealing for investment due to its location, growing economy, and existing profitable commercial gambling options. Historically, two regions have housed the majority of casinos/betting– Almaty (Konayev) and Akmola (Shchuchinsk), both historically located in central Kazakhstan. With the passage of new laws towards the end of 2025 that will allow for expanded commercial gaming opportunities, additional casino locations will be created throughout Kazakhstan, including East Kazakhstan, Mangystau, and Zhetysu, to encourage an influx of international tourists. The low cost of licensing, stable flow of players, and willingness by the government to tailor specific regulations for our industry make Kazakhstan an attractive place for start-up companies involved in commercial gambling.
What is a license for conducting a gambling activity?
Having a gaming license in Kazakhstan means the government is permitting you, as a game operator, to conduct chance games or receive paid commissions from players. It will provide your operation with an explicit legal standing in accordance with the relevant local laws (i.e., the major reforms passed late in 2024/2025), and it will also build player confidence by providing evidence that your company has met the required industry standards and has taken steps to protect its players.
This license is obligatory for each online and land-based company that conducts gambling activities. While it provides legitimacy, it also subjects the operator to a stricter regulatory framework, including a national self-exclusion register that now covers hundreds of thousands of citizens to promote responsible gaming.
Advantages of a Kazakhstan Gambling License
Kazakhstan provides an excellent environment for licensed gambling businesses in several ways, including:
- Smooth process of licensing: The process remains relatively straightforward, taking roughly one month with manageable paperwork requirements.
- High-quality banking support: Local banking is well-developed; a number of local and international banks allow for easy financial management in several currencies.
- Revised Tax Regime: While historically low, the tax environment was updated on January 1, 2026. The Corporate Income Tax (CIT) for casino services, slot halls, and bookmakers was increased to 25%, and the VAT rate was adjusted to 16%. Despite these increases, the sector remains lucrative due to the high volume of regulated traffic.
- State-of-the-art online services: Different digital government services, including online licensing and centralized betting accounting, are at the operator’s disposal.
- Special economic zones: Operators in designated tourism and gambling zones can benefit from specific regional incentives and simplified procedures for employing foreign workers.
- Legality and prestige: A license provides security against the government’s aggressive crackdown on illegal offshore sites, which saw over 11,000 unlawful websites identified and restricted in 2024 alone.
Requirements for obtaining a gambling license in Kazakhstan
To become licensed, all gambling operators must meet strict requirements, including anti-money laundering (AML) and fair play policies. The basic prerequisites include:
- Registered office and premises: The company must have a legal presence. For land-based operations, this must be within the specifically designated gambling zones.
- Company registration: This involves a unique business name and management with relevant experience. A deal with a local bank is required, often involving a security deposit to ensure financial stability.
- AML/CFT Compliance: Companies must implement internal controls to monitor fraudulent financial activities and maintain accurate records of customer identification (KYC).
- Technical and software requirements: Licensed companies must use approved hardware and software. Since 2024, there has been a stronger emphasis on centralized bet accounting systems to ensure transparency with the tax authorities.
Types of gambling allowed
Kazakhstan legalizes specific classes of gambling under the 2007 Act and subsequent amendments. Licensed activities include:
- Land-based casinos and slot machine halls: Permitted only in designated zones (like Konayev and Borovoye).
- Bookmakers and totalizators: Allowed to operate nationwide and online.
While land-based casinos are geographically restricted, online betting is a major growth sector. However, it is important to note that online casino-style gambling (slots and table games online) remains prohibited under national law; only sports betting and totalizators are typically permitted in the digital space for licensed operators.
Key regulatory bodies
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (formerly known as the Ministry of Culture and Sports) manages oversight of the gaming industry through a division called the Committee for the Regulation of Gambling and Lottery Activities. This committee also manages the list of licensed gaming companies in Kazakhstan, and works with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Digitization to help ensure those companies abide by the laws regulating the industry.
Kazakhstan tightened rules on advertising for gambling in September 2024 as part of its revisions to the country’s legislation governing gaming. Most types of outdoor and mass media advertising by gambling operators are now restricted under these new laws, as are most forms of advertising directly targeting consumers.
Obtaining a gambling license: The procedure
The procedure includes registering a local company with a physical address, preparing documentation (including registration certificates and financial statements), and lodging an application with the Committee. Once approved, operators must pay the required license fees and ensure their servers are located within the territory of Kazakhstan for online operations.
All in all
Kazakhstan represents a lucrative but increasingly regulated market. The transition toward a more “restrictive” model similar to European standards ensures a more stable, albeit more taxed, environment. By obtaining a license and adhering to the 2026 tax codes, operators can secure a long-term foothold in one of Central Asia’s most developed gaming markets.
