In Kazakhstan, the list of individuals prohibited from participating in gambling and betting is expanding due to a new law approved in the first reading at a plenary session of the Mazhilis.
Currently, the ban applies to individuals under the age of twenty-one and those restricted from participating in gambling and betting, with the age limit set to be raised to twenty-five. Furthermore, individuals listed in the Unified Register of Debtors will also be prohibited from entering casinos and betting shops.
The categories of individuals now prohibited from gambling will include young people under twenty-five, government officials, individuals who have voluntarily restricted themselves from gambling for a period of six months to a year, individuals restricted by court order due to excessive gambling, and chronic debtors listed in the register.
The main aim behind these restrictions is to safeguard citizens from the negative consequences of gambling and to protect chronic debtors from further financial harm. The law is designed to deter individuals from seeking quick money through gambling and to shield their families from the impacts of excessive debt.
The implementation and enforcement of these new regulations and the handling of violations pose significant questions. The distinction between gambling and betting is crucial, as gambling involves risk-based agreements among players while betting does not necessitate player participation in the event.
Non-compliance with the regulations may lead to substantial fines and the confiscation of gambling-related items. Additionally, businesses that facilitate gambling activities for individuals under twenty-one will face penalties under the law.
The legislation aims to bolster control over gambling activities through integrated information systems managed by authorized state bodies. This legislative initiative, which seeks to amend existing laws related to gambling and lotteries, demonstrates the government's commitment to regulating the gambling industry and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from its detrimental effects.
