Published on: March 18, 2026, at 12:07h.
Updated on: March 17, 2026, at 02:09h.
- New casinos have been authorized in multiple cities and regions across Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan experienced a tourism surge, welcoming a record 16 million visitors in 2025
- The nation’s tourism sector now surpasses that of Qatar, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic
The Kazakhstan government is focused on establishing new casinos and gaming resorts to enhance tourism within Central Asia.
While globally recognized in the U.S. for Borat, a fictional character by Sacha Baron Cohen, Kazakhstan stands as the ninth-largest country and boasts a relatively affluent population, with median household income near $50,000 a year.
Kazakhstan’s economy relies heavily on oil, gas, mining, agriculture, and logistics. Traditionally, as a landlocked nation, it hasn’t been a prime destination for tourism. However, recent initiatives to liberalize visa regulations and market its stunning alpine regions and plains have invigorated the sector.
With international visits hitting a record high of 16 million last year, the government aims to foster even more growth through additional casinos.
Overview of Kazakhstan Casinos
Currently, casinos are established in limited areas such as Konaev in Almaty and the upscale resort town of Lake Shchuchye in Akmola.
According to the Kazinform International News Agency, the government has recently approved additional locations for slot machines. This includes areas near the Caspian Sea’s Mangistau region, Lake Alakol, Talgar along the Silk Road, and Zaisan.
“The establishment of casinos, slot machine venues, and betting shops is strictly prohibited within protected natural areas and on land with historical or cultural significance, as well as military and national security land,” reported the news agency.
Any new casino developments in Kazakhstan will cater specifically to foreigners and non-residents.
Growth in Tourism
In 2025, the tourism sector of Kazakhstan attracted investments totaling KZR1.2 trillion (approximately US$2.49 billion), primarily focused on new hotels and resorts.
“These developments are projected to create around 10,000 jobs within the tourism sector,” stated Yerbol Myrzabossynov, the minister of tourism and sports.
In a 2024 report, the World Economic Forum elevated Kazakhstan by 10 positions to 62nd on its Travel & Tourism Development Index, which evaluates factors impacting the sustainable growth of a nation’s travel and tourism industries.
Now ranking above Qatar, South Africa, Vietnam, Egypt, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines, Kazakhstan is striving to become one of the top 50 travel and tourism destinations globally.