Kyrgyzstan is one of the Central Asian nations and located in the north of the region; it is bordered by Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the west, Tajikistan in the southwest and China in the east. has recently amended its laws regarding gambling rather comprehensively. This article further explores the legal provisions and regulations governing Kyrgyzstan bookmakers with regard to the development of gambling legislation, regulatory bodies, types and costs of license, gambling taxes, and peculiarities of sports betting.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Legislation in Kyrgyzstan
The following is an outline of the different phases that Kyrgyzstan has gone through in the regulation of gambling. Over the last few years, there have been many changes aimed at increasing investments and additional revenues in the state budget. The turning point was on June 22, 2022, when the Kyrgyzstan Parliament approved a bill on gambling legalization in the country, and on July 8, 2022, President Sadyr Japarov signed this bill.
Key Legislative Milestones:
- June 22, 2022: Government passes a law which makes gambling legal.
- August 1, 2022: Resolution approving conditions of regulation for online and electronic casino.
- December 23, 2022: The measures aimed to combat the activities of the gambling sites included the following decree.
- October 19, 2013: The legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic concerning the licensing and permitting system.
Kyrgyzstan Bookmakers Regulatory Environment
The legal framework of gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan is envisaged by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic No2424 on Gambling Activities.
- Online Casino: A business providing the opportunity for real-time gambling in single and multi-user modes in a gambling establishment with the help of special devices.
- Electronic (Virtual) Casino: An organization that uses special software or an internet site as its instrument of activity.
Regulatory Agencies
Two main regulatory bodies oversee gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan:
- SFMSF: The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Finance (SFMSF) under the Ministry of Economy is the authority for the regulation of land-based gambling.
- SSSC: Ministry of Digital Transformation of Kyrgyzstan State Service for the Regulation and Supervision of Communications (SSSC), targeting the spheres of online and virtual casinos.
These authorities are involved in licensing, renewing permits, monitoring and enforcing compliance, suspending or extending the licenses, as well as keeping the relevant registers.
Kinds of Licenses and Fees for Gambling
There are various kinds of licenses depending on the gambling activity that is to be conducted and there are certain charges that are paid to the state treasury. The Cabinet of Ministers determines the types of gambling establishments that can be opened by local and foreign entrepreneurs, including:
- Casinos: Up to USD 1. 500 thousand for those registered in cities of republican significance, and from USD 1 million for those in Osh, Chui, and Jalal-Abad regions.
- Slot Machine Halls: half a million US dollars.
- Bookmaker’s Offices: Thus, the amount of USD 126 thousand.
- Online and Electronic Casinos: These are part of the fees that a casino is required to pay and have been captured under fees associated with a casino.
Furthermore, each of the businesses needs to have a license to be legal in the country and operate.
Bookmaker taxes and fees
The tax regime of gambling operations in Kyrgyzstan guarantees the state’s revenues from this rather profitable industry. The basic rate for one gambling table in 2022 was 750,000 soms, in 2023 it will be 1 million soms and from 2024 it will be 1,250 million soms for calendar month.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
The legislation stipulates various restrictions and allowances for gambling activities:
- Prohibited: Credit cards and loans for gambling except for the land based slot machines.
- Allowed: Only those people who are over 21 years of age and foreigners are allowed to gamble while the Kyrgyz citizens are restricted regardless of their dual citizenship.
Sports Betting in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan sports betting is a growing segment within the gambling industry, driven by several strategic regulations and milestones:
- Casinos in Bishkek: There must be at least ten gaming tables.
- Casinos elsewhere: It should have at least five gaming tables.
- Slot Halls: It must have at least 30 slot machines that have an RTP of not less than 75%.
- Currency Exchange: It is also necessary to indicate that in order to function, the establishments must have a bureau that is licensed by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.
- Security Measures: Stringent measures of security cannot be overemphasized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legislation and regulation of Kyrgyzstan bookmakers and sports betting is aimed at the encouragement of investment, increase of state revenues, and establishment of structure of gambling. Thus, it is crucial for the stakeholders to know these laws and regulations in order to be able to operate in the market appropriately and without violating the law.
FAQ about Kyrgyzstan Bookmakers
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