The Parliament of Kazakhstan has proposed amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code aimed at increasing the age limit for participation in gambling activities from 21 to 25 years old. The proposed legislation also includes administrative penalties for gambling organizers who allow individuals under 25 to engage in such activities.
Moreover, the bill introduces fines for permitting individuals listed as restricted from gambling to participate in such activities. Repeat offenses could result in the suspension of the organizer's license. Additionally, organizers are required to warn participants about the risks of gambling, with penalties for non-compliance.
The amendments also hold totalizators and bookmakers accountable for advertising that does not comply with Kazakhstan's gambling laws. Another bill addresses regulations on foreign gambling websites and electronic payment systems, prohibiting those without proper licensing from operating in Kazakhstan.
Furthermore, the legislation outlines procedures for restricting payments to unauthorized foreign gambling operators. The authorized body maintains a list of such operators and notifies payment service providers within five business days of their inclusion.
Gambling establishments are required to display warnings about the risks of gambling prominently. The content and design of these warnings are subject to approval by the authorized body. If an individual seeking to participate in gambling is listed in the Unified Debtors Register, the organizer must deny them access.
This initiative comes as part of Kazakhstan's efforts to regulate and control the gambling industry, with measures to protect individuals from the potential harms of excessive gambling.
