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Kazakhstan cracks down on illegal gambling with fines and education reforms

From hefty fines to school awareness campaigns, Kazakhstan is waging war on illegal gambling. Can education and enforcement turn the tide?

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Kazakhstan cracks down on illegal gambling with fines and education reforms

Kazakhstan has stepped up efforts to tackle illegal gambling and addiction through a mix of education, enforcement, and support services. The government's Comprehensive Plan to Counter Illegal Gambling and Gambling Addiction, running from 2024 to 2026, includes stricter monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and psychological assistance for those affected.

Authorities have taken a firm stance against unlicensed gambling activities. The Gambling and Lottery Regulation Committee has tracked social media and online platforms for illegal lotteries, resulting in 121 individuals facing administrative penalties in 2025. Fines totalled 49.9 million tenge, with offenders receiving warnings and notices for unauthorized raffles. A list of accounts linked to these activities was also published on the ministry's official website.

Prevention has become a key focus in schools, where over 6,000 parental support centres now include gambling addiction awareness in their programmes. More than 800 coaches and educators have undergone training on methodological guidelines aimed at protecting youth from gambling risks. Meanwhile, universities have hosted over 400 events promoting healthy lifestyles, while outreach initiatives involving religious leaders have reached over 1 million people. Support for those struggling with addiction has expanded as well. A dedicated hotline, run by the Republican Research and Practical Center for Mental Health, offers psychological assistance to gambling addicts and their families. The government also commissioned a nationwide sociological study with 6,000 respondents to better understand the causes and scale of gambling addiction. Legal consequences for illegal gambling remain strict. Individuals organizing lotteries without a licensed operator face fines of 100 monthly calculation indices (MCI), while small businesses can be fined 300 MCI. Repeat offenders incur even higher penalties.

The measures combine enforcement, education, and psychological support to reduce illegal gambling and its social impact. With fines issued, awareness campaigns in schools, and expanded helplines, the government aims to curb addiction and unlicensed activities over the next two years. The plan's success will depend on continued monitoring and public engagement.

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