Uncovered: 63 Unlawful Gambling Venues Spotted across Kazakhstan

Gambling Crackdown in Kazakhstan: A Look Beyond the Headlines

The world grapples with the concept of gaming addiction as a legitimate concern, and Kazakhstan, a nation with roughly 350,000 gamers primarily teenagers, is no exception. The state's relentless pursuit of curbing the illegal gaming industry serves to safeguard its population from the destructive influence of this pathological dependence.

According to Total.kz and the AFM of Kazakhstan, the authorities took stringent measures in the first quarter of 2021. They launched 49 criminal cases, terminated 63 unlawful gaming establishments, and seized over 300 electronic devices associated with illegal gaming activities from the underworld.

It's crucial to note that not every gaming device is off the grid. The national lottery operator retains the authority to run draws through approved terminals across the country. These terminals are easily identifiable due to their unique yellow-blue hue, logo, number, and QR code.

Citizens, too, play a pivotal role in dismantling the web of illicit gaming operations by sharing intel about unlawfully placed gaming machines with the agency. The Financial Monitoring Agency not only encourages but calls upon fellow citizens to be proactive and report any suspicious gaming apparatus to aid in this crusade.

"Exhibit social responsibility and speak out," urged Zhanaт Elimanov, Chairman of the Agency, in a recent public address. "Protect your children and community from the harmful clutches of gaming addiction. If you spot a gaming machine lurking near your residence or hangout, feel free to report it to us. Simply send us a photo and address via our official social media accounts, or call our hotline at +7 (7172) 70-84-78," he said, inviting all citizens to join the fight.

Here's a sneak peek into Kazakhstan's broader strategy to tackle these matters:

Bracing for Action

Legislative Reforms: The Kazakh government is stepping up its legislative game, as evidenced by the December 2023 Action Plan on Human Rights and Rule of Law. While the specifics of addressing gaming addiction and illegal gambling aren't explicitly stated, these reforms may pave the way for future legislation focusing on these issues.
Education and Awareness: Besides enforcement, informing the public about the risks associated with excessive gaming and illegal gambling is of the utmost importance. Government agencies, NGOs, and community groups can spearhead these campaigns to enlighten citizens about the potential dangers.
Regulatory Framework: Adopting or strengthening a regulatory framework similar to Malta's MGA Responsible Gaming Policy, which emphasizes player protection, fairness, and transparency, would be a positive step forward. This could involve establishing a dedicated national gaming authority to oversee and manage the industry.

Turning the Tide: Citizen's Role

Supporting Responsible Gaming Initiatives: By participating in and supporting responsible gaming initiatives, citizens can contribute to fostering healthy gaming habits and providing resources for individuals dealing with addiction.
Informant Network: Citizens can act as informants, reporting suspected illegal activities to the authorities, thereby contributing to effective law enforcement and the dismantling of illegal operators.
Advocacy: Citizens can advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of gaming addiction and illegal gambling, such as stricter regulations on gaming platforms and enhanced support services for affected individuals.
Public Awareness: Citizens can take part in public awareness campaigns to educate others about the risks associated with gaming addiction and the importance of responsible gaming practices.

In conclusion, although specific measures in Kazakhstan aren't extensively detailed, a multi-faceted approach comprising legislative reforms, public awareness, and citizen engagement is essential for effectively combating gaming addiction and illegal gambling.

The crackdown on casino-and-gambling activities in Kazakhstan extends beyond mere law enforcement, with the government focusing on casino-games as a potential threat to public health, especially among the younger population.
The Financial Monitoring Agency encourages citizens to get involved in the fight against casino-culture by reporting any illegal gambling trends they may come across, thus contributing to a safer, more responsible society.
As part of its broader strategy, Kazakhstan is considering legislative reforms and adopting a regulatory framework similar to that of Malta, which emphasizes player protection and transparency in casino-games, aiming to promote general-news and crime-and-justice developments in the right direction.