Tourism development: Kazakhstan plans to open casinos for foreigners

Tourism development: Kazakhstan plans to open casinos for foreigners

Kazakhstan plans to establish casinos for foreign visitors. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports notes that the specific locations are still being determined, but priority is given to the Almaty, Mangystau, and Zhetisu regions. These regions are already popular tourist destinations in Kazakhstan. The ministry is currently considering potential investors, including Chinese, European, and Russian companies. Special incentives will be offered, such as reduced fees for gaming tables and machines, as well as exemptions from individual income tax for players. Experts, drawing on international experience, say that casinos and gaming zones contribute to the development of tourism, particularly by attracting affluent foreign travelers who are willing to spend significant sums and invest in the country’s economy.

«This opportunity is being considered as part of tourism development, exclusively for foreigners. Kazakh citizens will not be allowed to participate. Casinos that violate this rule will face penalties, including license revocation. Local investors are also needed, as foreigners ask for some local partner to share the risks. We will work on identifying and connecting them. This provision has been developed, and we are currently discussing it with government agencies. If it receives support, we will submit it to Parliament,» said Adilet Turganbayev, Acting Chairman of the Committee for Regulation of Gambling Business and Lottery.