Kazakhstan’s regulated betting industry witnessed a steep decline in the first half of the year 2026 as user interest plummeted by almost 70%. According to the new report by Blask, this collapse was due to the regulatory modifications that created disruption in payment processing for licensed players in the industry.
The largest shock was caused by the launch of the Unified Betting Accounting System (ESU) and compulsory implementation of NomadPay. Many betting houses did not manage to meet the requirements of the legislation and banks halted deposits and withdrawals for most licensed players.
This led some gamblers to use unlicensed alternatives while the law enforcement started active implementation of the norms.
The change in payments is a part of the nation’s more grand goals to strengthen the gambling industry and improve the related normative provision. The authorities have already expanded self-exclusion possibilities, reinforced the control over illegal gambling payments, made a number of compliance requirements stricter as well as increased financial control measures over the industry.
Even though the industry demonstrates decline, betting remains the most popular gambling tool in the country.
Kazakhstan continues regulating gambling activity in accordance with the Gambling Law that underwent in May 2026. The latest amendments require licensed bookmakers to process electronic bets and payouts through the central accounting system, allowing authorities to monitor transactions, verify player information and identify unlicensed gambling websites.
