Kazakhstan Expands Gambling Zones With Ambitious Plans for New Resort and Urban Casino Hubs

Kazakhstan is moving aggressively to expand its gambling industry, with authorities announcing the creation of several new gambling zones across resort destinations and urban centers as part of a broader economic development strategy.

Under the country’s current legislation, gambling activities are legally restricted to just two designated areas: the city of Konaev in the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort district located in the Akmola region of north-central Kazakhstan.

That framework is now being significantly broadened. On May 17, 2026, the government confirmed plans to establish additional gambling zones along the shores of the Caspian Sea as well as in the Zaysan and Markakol regions.

Beginning July 1, casino operators will also be permitted to launch gambling venues in the city of Alatau, according to reports from the Kazakh media outlet Zakon.

Kazakhstan first revealed details of the expansion initiative in January. At the time, the country’s tourism ministry projected that every newly established casino could generate approximately $6 million in tax revenue.

The government’s latest plans represent a substantial shift in Kazakhstan’s gambling policy. In 2007, authorities outlawed all land-based casinos, slot machine parlors, bookmakers, and betting shops throughout the country, while making exceptions only for the two specially designated gambling areas.

Although the introduction of additional resort-based gambling destinations mirrors the strategy adopted in 2007, the decision to designate an urban center as a gambling zone marks a major policy departure.

Citing government officials, Zakon reported that the objective behind the Alatau “project” is “to create an “economic, technological, scientific, educational, commercial, entertainment, and investment center of international significance.””

The Kazakh government has placed significant expectations on Alatau, viewing the city as a future partially deregulated economic zone intended to attract foreign investors, international companies, and cryptocurrency businesses.

Previously known as Zhetygen, the settlement currently has a population of roughly 55,000 residents. Authorities now intend to transform it into a major metropolitan center with an estimated population of 2 million people by 2050.

Businesses that establish operations in Alatau will receive a series of incentives and regulatory exemptions. The government plans to introduce special tax benefits and permit companies to use multiple foreign currencies as legal tender within the city.

Officials will also allow English-language usage in official documentation. The proposed incentives include exemptions from corporate taxes, property taxes, and certain categories of value-added tax.

In addition, “highly qualified foreign specialists” working in the city will not be required to pay income tax. Authorities also stated that “secured digital assets” would remain exempt from taxation.

In a separate article published by Zakon, journalist Andrey Gubenko described the government’s ambitious vision for the city. “What was once an ordinary village,” Gubenko wrote, “must become a smart city and a global business hub in the foreseeable future.”

According to updated regulations governing Alatau, city administrators will have “the right to recognize licenses, permits, accreditations, and other documents confirming the right to carry out activities issued in countries with a high-quality infrastructure and/or international organizations as determined by the administration.”

Gubenko noted that this regulatory framework could ultimately make the city highly attractive to foreign gambling operators seeking easier market entry.

Under the proposed rules, foreign investors would be able to establish either land-based or online casino operations in Alatau “with a license issued elsewhere.“

Separately, the report referenced a recent international casino-related incident involving Kazakh nationals. Late last year, Australian police arrested a Kazakh couple accused of cheating at table games inside Sydney’s Crown Casino using concealed camera equipment and earpieces. Authorities alleged the pair used the devices to win approximately $800,000 from the casino.

By fLEXI tEAM