Kazakhstan has designated new territories across East Kazakhstan, Zhetysu and Mangystau for potential gambling infrastructure development. The government resolution takes effect on September 11, 2026.
The initiative aims to attract foreign investment and international tourists while supporting the development of resort infrastructure. However, the designation of these territories does not automatically authorize gambling operations or construction.
New Gambling Territories Across Three Regions
In East Kazakhstan, two territories have been designated in the Markakol district.
The Zhetysu region includes a territory near Lake Alakol in Akshi. Potential facilities could include casinos, gaming parlors, betting clubs and totalisators in this area.
A further two territories have been designated along the Caspian coast in Mangystau. These cover both inland and coastal areas suitable for potential tourism and resort development.
The government has established the geographical boundaries for each zone. However, individual projects will still require the necessary regulatory, investment and construction approvals.
Foreign-Only Access Model
A key element of Kazakhstan’s new approach is the possibility of restricting access to certain gambling zones to foreign visitors. The model is intended to attract international tourists and investment while limiting participation by Kazakh citizens.
The government has linked the development of these zones to broader efforts to expand regional tourism and resort infrastructure.
However, the resolution does not specify which individual territories will ultimately operate under the foreign-only model. Access conditions will form part of the regulatory framework governing future developments.
Gambling Projects Still Require Approval
The designation of a territory does not provide an automatic gambling license or permission to build. Investors and developers must obtain all required regulatory, investment and construction permits before projects can proceed.
This means the newly designated areas should be viewed as potential development zones rather than immediately operational gambling destinations. The relevant approval processes will determine which projects are ultimately developed.
Supporting Tourism and Investment
Kazakhstan’s strategy connects gambling development with regional economic investment and tourism growth. The selected locations in East Kazakhstan, Zhetysu and Mangystau provide different environments for potential resort developments. These range from Lake Alakol to the Caspian coast.
By focusing certain gambling opportunities on international visitors, the government aims to create additional tourism attractions. At the same time, they will maintain tighter controls over domestic gambling participation.
Framework Takes Effect September 11
The new resolution will take effect on September 11, 2026. It will establish the geographic boundaries and access framework for the designated gambling territories.
The next stage will depend on investor interest and the approval of individual projects. For operators and developers, the initiative creates new potential opportunities in Kazakhstan’s tourism-focused gambling sector. However, significant licensing and construction requirements remain before any facilities can open.
