Kyrgyzstan Tightens Gambling Regulations

New rules and requirements for casinos have recently been introduced in a decree signed by Head of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Zhaparov, “On gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan.” In accordance with the document, all transactions taking place within casinos are to be recorded on video cameras installed at cash, currency exchange and registration desks, and all activities in gambling establishments must be filmed in real-time. Recordings must be accessible for at least one month and can be stored for up to three months. Under the new rules, slot machines can only be installed in casinos and gaming zones must be at least 200 square meters. The decree also states: “Bookmaker offices and totalizators can be opened based on a license to organize and conduct gambling in betting offices or totalizators located only in the casino." Gambling establishments have been banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2012. The situation then changed in 2022, when new authorities permitted  the reintroduction of casinos, albeit confined to places designated for foreign citizens.