Kazakhstan intends to establish three new casino zones exclusively for foreign tourists in East Kazakhstan, Almaty City, and Zhetysu Oblast. The government anticipates that these new casinos will result in the creation of approximately 5, 000 jobs for locals and will be able to contribute 2, 4 billion Tenge (US$4, 8 million) per annum in tax revenue.
At the same time, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports intends to renovate the casinos at Kapchagay and Borovoe Resort Area and initiate new programs there. The ministry aims to position Kazakhstan’s abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage as a premium gaming destination for high rollers in Central Asia. The number of foreign gamblers visiting the country should, thus, be doubled as a result of the measure.
The regions selected offer a combination of nature’s beauty and gaming opportunities. East Kazakhstan is a place of extreme nature where gamers can combine hiking, a typical outdoor activity, with playing video games. Almaty, the erstwhile capital, delivers a vibrant blend of culture, entertainment, and thrill. The history of Mangistau and the dramatic landscapes there provide the setting for both traditional and contemporary gaming. Zhetysu is a region of wonderful parks and unpolluted lakes which give the players the opportunity to refresh themselves in between gaming sessions. By spreading the gaming areas over Kazakhstan, the government also lowers the concentration of the game at Kapchigay and Borovoye, thus paving the way for the economic development of other regions.
Each new casino would potentially create 500 jobs in the tourism sector, such as gaming dealers and hotel staff, thus providing a stable income for local residents. Also, each casino may produce annual tax revenues of 2 to 4 billion tenge, which the government can allocate for infrastructure development, such as roads, as well as for tourism promotion .The project is directed at switching Kazakhstan from its current basic resource economy model to a diversified economy by bringing in foreign tourists who will spend in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment places. Besides, by limiting the zones to foreign visitors, local residents are protected from the social disadvantages while still enjoying the economic benefits.
The Ministry of Tourism of Kazakhstan considers gambling as part of a broader tourism plan that also entails festivals, nature tourism, and handicrafts. The construction of hotels and other facilities around gambling ports will pave the way for further support to transportation, shopping, and tours, thus creating complete tourist packages. By limiting the zones to foreign visitors it is possible to encourage responsible investment which brings in operators who expect a steady flow of international traffic. If the number of gamblers increases by about twice to over 200, 000 visitors per year, it would signify a very major hike in the total tourism in Kazakhstan.
Introducing casinos in more than one location helps to distribute the tourism, related economic advantages throughout the nation. In Almaty, a higher number of tourists will invigorate the city life, whereas the pristine nature of Zhetysu will be appealing for environmentally friendly gamblers. Mangistau’s traditional background provides an exclusive experience, and East Kazakhstan is attractive to those who seek adventure. Additionally, such a combination prevents overcrowding at the old ones and balances the development of different regions.
The extension places Kazakhstan firmly on the worldwide gambling map and pushes sustainable tourism. By emphasizing international tourists, jobs, and tax revenues, the initiative paves the way for long term economic growth in the far flung areas of the country.
