Internet gambling sites restricted in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the operation of online casinos and offshore bookmakers is strictly prohibited, as the country maintains a firm stance against online gambling outside authorized zones. This is evident in the recent move by the authorities to block the operation of 12 illegal online casinos, including istory.casino, legzo.casino, and kaea, among others [1].

The legal ban on electronic and internet casinos in Kazakhstan is in effect, with only two designated gambling zones for land-based casinos and retail sportsbooks — in the Shuchinskiy district (Akmola region) and near the Kapchagai reservoir (Almaty region) [2]. Organizers of such illegal online gambling operations face criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years [1].

The overall online use of cryptocurrencies for gambling is also illegal in Kazakhstan. While cryptocurrencies are treated as digital assets that can be exchanged only on licensed exchanges by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), there is no specific regulation regarding crypto gambling [1].

In a broader context, Kazakhstan's government exerts strict control and enforcement over illegal websites promoting harmful content, including potentially unlicensed gambling platforms and other harmful online services [4]. A joint list of internet resources blocked for drug sales has been created, and other illegal sites promoting and advertising drugs, pornographic materials, counterfeit payment system checks, suicide propaganda, and job offers for drug couriers have also been blocked [3].

A hotline has been established for citizens to report illegal online sites: 8-778-200-20-43 (for calls) and 8-708-505-50-22 (for WhatsApp, Telegram messages) [5]. This move underscores Kazakhstan’s firm prohibition on online gambling outside authorized zones and a strong regulatory approach to digital services, including crypto [1][4].

References: [1] Kazakhstan's Online Gambling Laws: A Comprehensive Overview. (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.gamblingnews.kz/en/kazakhstans-online-gambling-laws-a-comprehensive-overview/] [2] Gambling Zones in Kazakhstan. (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.gamblingnews.kz/en/gambling-zones-in-kazakhstan/] [3] Kazakhstan Blocks 12 Online Casinos. (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/kazakhstan-blocks-12-online-casinos-2021-06-18] [4] Digital Governance in Kazakhstan: An Overview. (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/digital-governance-in-kazakhstan-an-overview-2021-05-24] [5] Hotline for Reporting Illegal Online Sites in Kazakhstan. (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/hotline-for-reporting-illegal-online-sites-in-kazakhstan-2021-06-18]

Despite the illegal status of online casinos in Kazakhstan, trends in the casino-and-gambling industry continue to emerge, with cryptocurrencies being used, albeit illegally, for such activities.
The government's approach to online gambling extends beyond casino-games, with a strong focus on blocking illegal websites that promote harmful content, such as potentially unlicensed gambling platforms and other harmful online services.
General news outlets report that Kazakhstan's stance against online gambling outside authorized zones is reflected in the ongoing efforts to combat crime-and-justice issues related to online casinos, with organizers facing criminal penalties.