Kazakhstan plans new casinos along Caspian coast to boost tourism—official

Kazakhstan plans to create new gambling zones in several regions, including Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabosynov, announced.

As Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media, under the recently enacted law, in addition to the existing gambling zones in Borovoye and Kapchagay, new casinos are slated for development at the following locations:

On the Caspian Sea coast in Mangystau Region

On the shore of Lake Alakol in the Panfilov District, Zhetysu Region

In Talgar District, Almaty Region

In the Markakol area and Zaysan District, East Kazakhstan Region

Precise sites within these regions have not yet been finalized, with the minister noting that the responsibility for selecting specific locations rests with local akimats (regional executive authorities).

Myrzabosynov stressed that the expansion of gambling zones is aimed exclusively at stimulating tourism, citing that similar strategies are commonly employed in other countries.

According to the minister, each new casino is expected to contribute between 2 and 3 billion tenge ($4.3–6.5 million) in annual tax revenue and create approximately 500 jobs. He also dismissed claims that the government plans to reduce taxes on the gambling industry.

“There is no question of lowering taxes. Casinos pay taxes on every gaming table. Overall, annual tax contributions are expected to range from two to three billion tenge,” Myrzabosynov stated.

The government further indicated that the number of gambling zones could be increased in the future. “These zones have been determined for now, but they may be expanded in the future, all in the interest of developing tourism,” the minister added.

By Vafa Guliyeva