Kyrgyzstan’s legislature has approved a bill to re-legalize land-based gambling and establish online casinos, but with a twist: all gambling offerings will be exclusively available to foreign players. The bill, titled “On Gambling in the Kyrgyz Republic,” will bring back a wide range of gambling forms, including casinos, slot halls, retail bookmakers, and online casino games. However, strict regulations will be in place, ensuring that land-based casinos are only operated within restaurants or hotel complexes and that slot halls are separate from other business activities. This legislative move aims to attract foreign players and boost tourism and the economy in Kyrgyzstan.
Re-Legalization and Expansion of Gambling:
The bill passed its third reading in the legislature, marking the re-legalization of various forms of gambling that were previously banned. In addition to the reinstatement of land-based casinos, which were prohibited in 2012, and slot halls and retail bookmakers, which were banned in 2015, the bill introduces the legalization of online casino games. However, it is important to note that these gambling activities will only be accessible to foreign players.
Regulations for Land-Based Casinos and Slot Halls:
Land-based casinos can only be established within restaurants or hotel complexes, with a minimum requirement of 100 seats for the restaurant and at least 20 rooms for the hotel. Slot halls, on the other hand, must be physically separate from any other type of business activity. The bill specifies that casinos in the capital city of Bishkek must have a minimum of 10 gaming tables, while those in other locations must have at least five. Slot halls are required to have a minimum of 30 machines. Additionally, both casinos and slot halls must comply with various security measures and have a licensed currency exchange bureau provided by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.
Regulatory Framework and License Fees:
To regulate the gambling industry, a governing body will be established by the Cabinet of Ministers. This body will oversee the implementation and enforcement of gambling regulations. The Cabinet will also determine the license fees for operating gambling establishments. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining security measures, preventing the use of credit cards and loans for gambling, except for land-based slots.
Online Gambling and Proposed Amendments:
During the legislative process, MP Dastan Bekeshev suggested removing provisions for online gambling from the bill, but this proposal was ultimately rejected. Bekeshev also proposed a ban on online gambling outside of gambling establishments, which was likewise dismissed. As a result, the bill includes provisions for online casino games, contributing to the expansion of gambling options in Kyrgyzstan.
Next Steps and Implementation:
With the bill passed by the legislature, it will now proceed to the president, Sadyr Japarov, for approval. If signed into law, the bill will take effect six months after its publication. Within one month of publication, the Cabinet will establish detailed regulations governing the operation of gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan’s decision to re-legalize land-based gambling and introduce online casinos exclusively for foreign players aims to attract tourism and stimulate the country’s economy. The bill’s strict regulations for operating gambling establishments, including location requirements, security measures, and compliance with the National Bank’s regulations, ensure a controlled and secure gambling environment.
While online gambling faced opposition during the legislative process, the bill ultimately included provisions for online casino games. As the bill progresses toward becoming law, Kyrgyzstan anticipates the positive impact of this legislative move on its tourism sector and overall economic growth.