The Head of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Zhaparov, has signed a decree delineating the rules and requirements for gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan, which includes casinos.
The decree follows the signing of the country’s new Gambling Bill, which was passed by the Kyrgyzstan parliament on June 22, 2022, legalising gambling in the country. The bill enables operators to open foreigner-only casinos in hotel and restaurant complexes for players over 21 years of age. As well as casinos, slot halls, retail bookmakers and online casino games were allowed as part go the new bill, having previously been banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2015.
Casinos located in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek must have at least 10 gaming tables, while those elsewhere must have at least five. Slot halls must contain at least 30 machines. Casinos and slot halls must also have a currency exchange bureau licensed by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, as well as a number of security measures in place. Use of credit cards and loans to gamble is prohibited, except for playing land-based slots. Slot machines must also have a return to player (RTP) of at least 75 per cent.
According to the decree, all transactions taking place within casinos must be recorded via video cameras installed at cash, currency exchanges 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 new rules, slot machines can only be installed in casinos and gaming zones must be at least 200sq.m in size. The decree also states that sports books and totalisators can be opened based on a licence to organise and conduct gambling within dedicated betting offices or, in the casino of totalisators, located within a casino.
Casinos located in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek must have at least 10 gaming tables, while those elsewhere must have at least five. Slot halls must contain at least 30 machines. Casinos and slot halls must also have a currency exchange bureau licensed by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. Use of credit cards and loans to gamble is prohibited, except for playing land-based slots. Slot machines must also have a return to player (RTP) of at least 75 per cent.