In the first half of 2026, Kazakhstan's regulated betting industry experienced a significant downturn, with user interest dropping nearly 70%. A recent report by Blask attributes this decline to regulatory changes that disrupted payment processing for licensed operators within the sector.
The introduction of the Unified Betting Accounting System (ESU) and the mandatory adoption of NomadPay caught many betting establishments off guard, as they struggled to comply with new legislative requirements. As a result, banks reportedly froze the ability of several licensed players to deposit and withdraw funds.
This confusion prompted some gamblers to turn to unlicensed alternatives while law enforcement intensified efforts to enforce the new regulations. These payment reforms are part of broader objectives by the Kazakh government to enhance the gambling industry and its regulatory framework. Among the measures taken, authorities have expanded self-exclusion options for gamblers, tightened regulations around illegal gambling payments, and imposed stricter compliance requirements alongside increased financial oversight of the sector.
Despite the downturn, betting remains the favored gambling option in Kazakhstan. The country continues to regulate gambling activities under the Gambling Law, which was amended in May 2026. The new rules stipulate that licensed bookmakers must handle electronic bets and payouts through a centralized accounting system. This measure aims to facilitate government oversight of transactions, verify player identities, and identify unlicensed gambling operations.
