Lessons for Kazakhstan from International Practices in Gambling Regulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34625/issn.2183-2705(38)2025.ic-26Keywords:
Keywords: gambling regulation; harm reduction; comparative public policy; channelization; Kazakhstan.Abstract
Background. Since 2007 Kazakhstan has progressively modernized gambling regulation; major amendments in 2023–2025 tightened market access, taxation and player protection. Objective. To assess alignment with international good practices and derive evidence‑informed policy options. Methods. Explanatory mixed‑methods study combining doctrinal analysis of Kazakh and foreign frameworks with a comparative panel (2019–2025) on market size, tax intake, enforcement and harm‑reduction coverage. Results. The legal market expanded, while enforcement against illegal operators intensified (more site/payment blocking and fewer recorded illegal‑gambling cases). Protection tools scaled up (debt‑registry based restrictions and self‑exclusion); tax policy moved toward GGR‑based models. International experience associates balanced GGR taxation, strict advertising rules, robust self‑exclusion, and coordinated website/payment blocking with better “channelization” and harm reduction. Conclusions. A policy mix combining competitive GGR‑based taxation, comprehensive player‑protection architecture, strong enforcement and systematic monitoring appears most consistent with public‑interest goals. Policy implications. Priority actions are: rationalize tax instruments; extend and unify self‑exclusion with data‑protection safeguards; enhance inter‑agency coordination; implement data‑driven monitoring and evaluation; and strengthen public‑interest communication.
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