Kazakhstan allows some forms of gambling, but online casinos are not one of them. The Law on Gambling Business limits online gambling to licensed bookmakers, totalisators and state lotteries, and the government has stepped up action against foreign casino sites, illegal payments and people who promote them. This guide explains what the law allows, who regulates the market, how licensed betting works, how self-exclusion through eGov works and where to find help.
Are online casinos legal in Kazakhstan?
No. Online casino games such as slots, roulette and blackjack are prohibited in Kazakhstan. Land-based casinos are allowed only in designated gambling zones, mainly in the Almaty and Akmola regions, and online gambling is limited to sports betting with licensed bookmakers, totalisators and state lotteries.
The main legal basis is the Law on Gambling Business of 2007, which has been amended several times. The minimum age for gambling and betting is 21.
Who regulates gambling in Kazakhstan?
Gambling licences are issued and supervised by the ministry responsible for tourism and sport. Licences can be checked in the state licensing system at elicense.kz. Other bodies, such as the Financial Monitoring Agency and the National Bank, take part in action against illegal gambling and the payments linked to it.
Online betting is closely monitored. Bets placed with licensed bookmakers must pass through a state accounting system that records transactions, and a newer unified system is designed to register bets, apply limits and help block illegal sites.
How does Kazakhstan act against illegal online casinos?
The authorities use several measures at the same time. Foreign casino websites are blocked, and officials report blocking many thousands of links to foreign platforms. Banks are required to stop transactions linked to illegal gambling, and the government reported that more than 400,000 such payments were blocked in the six months to March 2026. Foreign operators and payment providers have also been placed on blacklists.
Promotion is a target too. Since 2024 outdoor advertising of bookmakers, online casinos and betting pools is banned, as is their promotion in media content, films and videos. The Financial Monitoring Agency has identified bloggers who promoted illegal platforms, and the government has discussed criminal liability for such promotion.
- Blocking of foreign online casino websites
- Bank blocking of payments to illegal gambling operators
- Blacklists of foreign operators and payment providers
- Restrictions on advertising and on promotion by bloggers and influencers
How can you recognise a licensed betting operator?
A legal online gambling operator in Kazakhstan is a bookmaker or totalisator with a Kazakh licence. It must identify its customers, record bets through the state system and refuse players who are under 21 or on the self-exclusion list. No company has the right to offer online casino games, so any site that offers slots or live casino tables to residents is operating illegally.
Check the company name in the licensing register before you open an account, and be cautious of sites that only show a foreign licence.
- Look up the company in the state licensing register on elicense.kz.
- Check that the site offers betting only, not casino games.
- Confirm that registration requires full identity verification.
- Make sure the site explains how it applies limits and self-exclusion.
How does self-exclusion work in Kazakhstan?
Since March 2024 residents can exclude themselves from gambling and betting through the eGov Mobile app. The service is open to citizens and permanent residents, and the maximum period was later extended to 10 years. Once you submit the request, you are added to the list of people barred from gambling, and you cannot cancel it before the period ends.
The list applies to licensed operators, which must refuse excluded players. Hundreds of thousands of people have used the service since it launched. If you are worried about your gambling, this is one of the strongest tools available, because it covers all licensed betting at once.
What are the risks of unlicensed gambling sites?
Illegal online casinos are not supervised in Kazakhstan, so there is no local authority that can help if you are not paid or your account is closed. Payments to such sites may be blocked by your bank, and money you send may be lost.
Unlicensed sites also ignore the eGov self-exclusion list and the age limit, and they often operate through changing domains, which makes it hard to know who is behind them. Using them can also expose you to fraud and to the misuse of your personal and card data.
Do you pay tax on gambling winnings in Kazakhstan?
Gambling winnings are treated as taxable income for individuals in Kazakhstan. For licensed betting the operator may withhold tax at source, while in other cases you may have to declare the income yourself.
Tax rules were updated with the new Tax Code that applies from 2026, so check the current rates and reporting rules with the State Revenue Committee or a tax adviser.
Where can you get help with gambling problems in Kazakhstan?
Since 2024 state health clinics offer counselling for gambling addiction, and the government has said that people who seek a consultation are not placed on a medical register. Ask your local polyclinic or a mental health centre about available support.
You can also use the eGov self-exclusion service at any time. If you or someone close to you is in an acute crisis, call the emergency number 112.
Myths vs facts
- Myth: Online casinos are legal in Kazakhstan if they have a foreign licence.
- Fact: Online casino games are prohibited in Kazakhstan, and a foreign licence does not change that.
- Myth: All online gambling is banned in Kazakhstan.
- Fact: Online sports betting with licensed bookmakers and state lotteries are legal. Only online casino games are prohibited.
- Myth: Self-exclusion can be cancelled whenever you like.
- Fact: A self-exclusion request made through eGov cannot be withdrawn before the chosen period ends.
- Myth: Promoting online casinos on social media carries no risk.
- Fact: Advertising of online casinos is restricted, and the authorities have identified bloggers who promoted illegal platforms.
Before you claim
- Operator is a bookmaker or totalisator with a Kazakh licence
- Licence is visible in the state register on elicense.kz
- Site offers no online casino games
- Full identity verification is required
- You are 21 or older
- You know how to use eGov self-exclusion
- Winnings are handled according to current tax rules