Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, It also borders Russia to the north, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan in the south and the Caspian sea in the west and China in the east. Kazakhstan is a country that occupies an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers; knowledge of the Russian language is mandatory here. This article will discuss the specifics of the gambling legislation in Kazakhstan, with a primary focus on the country’s Kazakhstan bookmakers and sports betting.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Kazakhstan Gambling Laws Overview
The control of gambling in Kazakhstan is mainly in the hands of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Other bodies that have important functions in the regulation and supervision of the industry include the fiscal services, the Ministry of Digitization, and the Committee for Combating Economic Crime under the Ministry of Finance.
Legislative Framework
The principal legal framework for the regulation of gambling in Kazakhstan is the Act No 219-III ‘On Gambling Business’ passed in 2007. According to this law:
- Casinos and Slot Machines: These are permitted to operate only in the special zones that are set apart for the purpose.
- Bookmakers and Totalizators: These can be national including Internet based but must have a registered office.
Regulatory Bodies
It is the role of the Ministry of Culture and Sports to keep records of all the licensed gaming companies. All this information is contained in the registers available on the Regulator’s website. The Gambling Business Law of 2007 requires all operators to adhere to strict licensing and operational standards to minimize fraud in the business.
Recent Reforms
The legislation affects gambling in Kazakhstan have been under discussion since November 2023 when President Kassym Tokayev ordered a reassessment of the industry’s laws and regulations because of growing concerns over youth gambling and outstanding debts. The review, led by Deputy Minister Yerzhan Erkinbayev, proposed several amendments aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework:
- Age Limit: Introducing legislation to raise the age of gambling from 21 years to 25 years.
- Criminal Accountability: Extending criminal vicarious liability for minor offences committed by patrons to be directly prosecuted by the federal police.
Kazakhstan Bookmakers Regulation
Kazakh online bookmakers are governed by the Law in 2020 № 356-VI, according to which, the betting activity is to be supervised by the Betting Accounting Center (BCC). This service applies to all cash and non-cash payments, including electronic currencies. To safeguard their interests, the players need to register with BCC, get an identification and open individual wallets.
Advertising Regulations
The law “On Gambling Business” does not contain limitations for gambling advertisements, but the laws “On Communications” and “On Advertising” do not allow the advertisement of unauthorized gambling organizations. Notably, gambling advertisements are more common than tobacco and alcohol products advertisements in Kazakhstan.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Kazakhstan maintains clear guidelines on what types of bets are allowed and prohibited:Kazakhstan maintains clear guidelines on what types of bets are allowed and prohibited:
- Allowed Bets: The prediction of various sports events that can be used in betting includes football, rugby, ice hockey, speed skating, weightlifting, and gymnastics.
- Prohibited Bets: The following are prohibited: Any form of betting not covered under the provisions of this Act.
Licensing and Fees
Any gambling business in Kazakhstan is allowed only under a license. The procedure entails submitting of an elaborate documentation package and the evaluation takes not more than 15 working days. After that, an annual license fee has to be paid. As of recent years, the fees are:As of recent years, the fees are:
- Totalizators and Bookmakers: The cost of the food products is 1,357,440 tenge, which is approximately $3,900 USD.
- Casinos and Slot Halls: Eight million one hundred fifty-five thousand two hundred forty-five tenge, or roughly twenty-three thousand, five hundred twenty US dollars.
These fees are payable by January the 20th of each calendar year, though the first year of business is exempted.
Taxation on Bookmakers
There are specific taxes that are levied on gambling activities within the country and these include taxes for bookmakers. These include:
- Corporate Income Tax: A percentage charged on the net income of the business, which is standard.
- Gambling Tax: In relation to the revenues that are earned from the betting activities.
Sports Betting in Kazakhstan
Betting on sports is a major aspect of the gambling business in Kazakhstan because the country is obsessed with sports. The country has raised a number of famous athletes and its sports facilities are gradually being built.
Popular Sports for Betting
- Football: Football is the most widely practiced sport in Kazakhstan and it is affiliated to the Football Federation of Kazakhstan.
- Rugby: The rugby activities in the country are administered by Kazakhstan Rugby Union which was formed in the year 1933.
- Ice Hockey and Speed Skating: Both sports are becoming popular and the establishment of such facilities such as Medeo and the Indoor Skating Stadium in Astana are internationally recognized.
- Weightlifting and Gymnastics: These sports have also been given the boost in Kazakhstan by having Olympic champions in them.
Major Sporting Events
Kazakhstan hosts several prestigious sporting events that attract significant betting activity:
- Asian Winter Games
- Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
- World Nomad Games
Conclusion
Currently, Kazakhstan is displaying efforts to legalise gambling, especially in relation to bookmakers and sport betting. Due to the strict legislation and supervision by several bodies, the country seeks to establish a secure and open atmosphere for both operators and players. The ever-evolving legal system in Kazakhstan hints at the country offering a solid ground for legal gambling business.
Specifically, for those who want to get acquainted with the topic of Kazakhstan bookmakers or Kazakhstan sports betting, the legal situation is of great interest. Be aware of the changing rules and prospects of this fast growing sector.
FAQ – Kazakhstan Bookmakers
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