According to data presented by the Finance Ministry of Kazakhstan, approximately 700,000 people in the country regularly place bets with licensed bookmakers. This number represents a substantial portion of the adult population. It highlights the widespread popularity of gambling and the growing size of the regulated market in the country.
Yerzhan Birzhanov, Vice Minister of Finance, shared updated figures on betting activity and tax contributions. He did this during a presentation of digital projects on January 26, 2026. Speaking to attendees, Birzhanov emphasized the significant size of Kazakhstan’s betting market over the past year. Total wagers placed during this period reached roughly KZT 1.6 trillion, equivalent to about $3.4 billion. From this total, winnings paid out to players amounted to KZT 1.2 trillion, or approximately $2.6 billion. This corresponds to a return rate of 75%. The remaining 25% is retained by operators as revenue, highlighting the economic impact of the sector.
Birzhanov further noted that the 700,000 regular bettors account for approximately 15% to 20% of the adult population. This figure demonstrates strong engagement within the regulated framework. It shows that a significant portion of the population actively participates in betting activities. This participation contributes to operator revenue and related economic activity, including employment and technology development.
He also observed that, following recent legislative changes, the volume of contributions from bookmakers has decreased. While he did not provide specific details on the new tax figures, this shift reflects the impact of evolving regulations on the sector. The changes are part of broader efforts by the government to balance consumer protection, market sustainability, and fiscal contributions.
Overall, the data highlights the rapid growth of Kazakhstan’s betting market and the evolving dynamics of the industry. It also highlights the importance of effective regulation. Such measures help protect players, maintain transparency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
