Kazakhstan Aims to Double Foreign Gambling Tourists
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is implementing measures to double the number of foreign gambling tourists. This goal aligns with the planned establishment of new casinos across four regions in the country.
Kazakhstan’s Gambling Sector Expansion
Currently, gambling is confined to two designated zones: the city of Konaev in the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area in the Akmola Region. These areas serve both Kazakh and foreign gamblers. However, the government is set to broaden this scope significantly.
Proposed Casino Locations
The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Baurzhan Rapikov, announced that new casinos will specifically cater to foreign tourists. The proposed regions for these facilities include:
- East Kazakhstan
- Almaty
- Mangistau
- Zhetysu
This expansion is expected to create approximately 500 jobs per new casino and generate annual tax revenues ranging from $4 million to $8 million. It aims to increase the annual influx of gambling tourists from 100,000 to 200,000.
Digital Transformation of Tourism
Simultaneously, Kazakhstan is focusing on digitally modernizing its tourism sector. Starting in February, the ministry plans to develop a unified digital tourism ecosystem under the Kazakhstan.Travel platform. This initiative is designed to streamline the travel experience.
Features of the New Digital Ecosystem
The upgraded platform will incorporate several innovative tools:
- An AI-powered route planner
- Online booking capabilities
- Optimal travel date suggestions
- A dedicated feature called KazTuristBot for personalized recommendations and 24/7 traveler support
Additionally, the platform will help businesses showcase tourism products, gain access to demand analytics, and utilize digital tools to access government support. Authorities will also receive real-time data on tourist flows, which will assist in targeted infrastructure development in high-demand areas.
Travel Trends and Growth
Recent studies indicate that Kazakhstan is emerging as a rapidly growing tourist destination. By 2025, it saw a notable increase in interest from South Korean travelers, with a staggering 295% rise recorded from January to October, as reported by The Times of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan’s strategic plans for both gambling tourism and the digital transformation aim to boost its attractiveness as a tourist destination, promoting economic growth and enhancing visitor experiences.
