Will Kazakhstan open at least one new casino zone for foreign players by mid-2026?

At the end of 2025, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament (the Mazhilis) approved a law expanding the list of designated gambling zones and forwarded it to the Senate. In addition to existing zones in Burabay and Konayev, new casino areas are proposed in Mangystau Region (Caspian coast), near Lake Alakol, in Panfilov and Talgar districts, and in East Kazakhstan (Markakol and Zaysan districts). Gambling in these new zones would be permitted exclusively for foreigners, with specific sites to be determined by local authorities after final legislative approval. Despite political backing, significant uncertainty remains around feasibility. Experts and industry representatives point to high capital requirements, infrastructure constraints, environmental concerns, water shortages, and potential opposition from China to casinos near its border. While some locations—such as the Khorgos cross-border hub or coastal Mangystau—are viewed as more viable, others face strong doubts about economic logic and investor interest. The key question is whether the legislative expansion will translate into at least one operational casino project, rather than remaining a long-term or symbolic policy initiative.