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Kazakhstan's illegal gambling boom fuels economic and social crises

Offshore gambling giants are bleeding Kazakhstan's economy dry—leaving regulators powerless. Millions, including teens, face addiction as ads flood social media.

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The image shows a black and white newspaper advertisement for a lottery ticket with a lot of...
The image shows a black and white newspaper advertisement for a lottery ticket with a lot of numbers on it. The paper has text and numbers written on it, likely indicating the results of the lottery.

Kazakhstan's illegal gambling boom fuels economic and social crises

Foreign Bookmakers Continue to Siphon Billions from Kazakhstan's Gambling Market

Foreign betting companies are actively profiting from Kazakhstan's gambling sector by funneling vast sums out of the country. Analysts report that in 2025, bookmakers generated 217.2 billion tenge in revenue.

Revenues of Foreign Betting Operators

According to data from the analytical portal Finprom.kz:

  • In 2024, foreign bookmakers earned nearly 296.2 billion tenge in Kazakhstan.
  • In 2025, this figure dropped to 217.2 billion tenge—still amounting to hundreds of billions, much of which leaves the national economy.

The Root of the Problem

Actual Number of Gamblers Far Exceeds Official Figures

Official statistics only account for users placing bets with licensed operators, reporting around 700,000 registered players. However, many gambling services operate outside Kazakhstan's legal framework, leaving regulators unable to fully oversee their activities.

The "Gray" Market and Its Challenges

Foreign betting companies and online casinos often register in offshore jurisdictions, allowing them to:

  • Avoid paying taxes in Kazakhstan.
  • Disregard player protection requirements.
  • Ignore local regulatory standards.

Tax Revenues

Social Media and Influencers Drive Gambling Promotion

Social platforms are the primary channels for advertising gambling services. Bloggers and influencers often disguise betting and online casino promotions as personal success stories or recommendations.

The most commonly used platforms include:

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Telegram

Such content can reach millions of users, including young audiences.

Society Faces Growing Risks

Experts warn that gambling is no longer a niche industry. The rapidly expanding illegal segment poses serious threats:

  • Loss of state revenue due to capital flight.
  • Increased financial risks for the banking system.
  • Rising social tensions within families.
  • Deteriorating mental health among gamblers, particularly youth.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive measures to yield meaningful results.

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