Kazakhstan focuses on responsible gambling, Uzbekistan regulation slow
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Kazakhstan introduced restrictive gambling regulations two years ago. The government is now focusing on amendments to prevent gambling harm. The key amendments brought in were to restrict betting to sports events and to mandate that physical betting shops and totalisators be located in one of two gambling zones. There were also new mechanisms for the blocking of offshore gambling operators. Kazakhstan is looking at updating the current regulatory framework. It is possible that players using loaned funds to gamble might be a problem.
Kazakhstan is working on implementing a new set of rules on responsible gambling and creating the technical and regulative infrastructure to set up the new “center for accounting of bets”. Kazakhstan is taking a paternalistic approach to gambling regulation. Ex-Soviet countries are beginning to acknowledge that offshore gambling exists and are trying to put measures in place to combat the problem.
Kazakhstan Gambling law allows only land-based casinos in two designated areas. Online casino gambling is forbidden in Kazakhstan, while online sports betting is allowed. Kazakhstan has a population of almost 20 million people, high levels of mobile and internet penetration, and a GDP per capita of $9,000. According to the in-house calculation, the market for 2021 was EU1.26 billion in gross gambling revenue for all licensed and offshore offerings. Kazakh authorities claim it's about EUR70 million. Sports betting in the country is popular. The most recent addition to this market is the CIS brand PinUp.
In late 2019, Uzbekistan started its journey towards the legalization of sports betting both online and land-based. Since 2019 there has been no progress on the legalization front and the deadline was missed by officials. The most recent news is that the President of Uzbekistani introduced amendments to the 2019 decree that excluded any references to sports gambling. The government is opening up to world and engaging international experts to assist in certain areas. It is also seeking to implement best international practices. Uzbek authorities are trying to create a regulatory framework that is as close as possible to regulation in EU member states.
