Kazakhstan is now following Russia's footsteps and aims to limit gambling in the country. As of January 1, 2007, only two towns in the country will offer legal gambling. This follows neighboring Russia's latest decision to restrict gambling to only four unpopulated areas.
All casinos, game tables, chips, bookmakers and slot machines will either close down or move to either one of the towns in which gambling is still allowed: Shchuchinsk in the north of Kazakhstan or to Kapshagai in the south-west.
The National Security Council has already passed the legislation, which will become law once President Nursultan Nazarbayev signs it. The president and other members of the government have expressed their aversion of gambling in the country, comparing it to drug addiction and a bane for the population. Kazakhstan has 2,200 gaming halls and casinos and a population of 15 million people.
Natalya Korzhova, the country's finance minister, said that the government should preserve the 'moral appearance' of Kazakhstan's youth so that the country can continue its economic progress and propel it into the list of the 50 most attractive countries for investment.
Email this page
Print this page
Bookmark with del.icio.us
