Kazakhstan Considers Criminalizing Influencers Who Promote Gambling
Kazakhstan’s Initiative Against Gambling Promotion by Influencers
Kazakhstan is currently considering imposing criminal penalties on social media influencers who advertise gambling. While this approach might seem severe, other countries are also taking strict measures against the promotion of gambling content.
Efforts to Eliminate Unauthorized Gambling Advertisements
A recent study by GambleAware, a UK-based charity, highlights that children frequently encounter gambling advertising, with one in six children reporting exposure to gambling promotions on social media by influencers or content creators.
Some countries, like the Netherlands, have enacted laws preventing influencers and celebrities from engaging in gambling-related promotions altogether.
In Kazakhstan, the Financial Monitoring Agency has identified 34 influencers involved with promoting gambling since the beginning of this year. Of these, 11 have been fined administratively. Presently, there is a discussion regarding whether to press criminal charges against these individuals for supporting illegal gambling, potentially applying penalties akin to those for Ponzi scheme facilitators.
If criminal sanctions are enforced, the consequences would be significantly more severe than fines and could profoundly impact those involved in unlawful gambling advertising.
Although public gambling advertisements are currently banned in Kazakhstan, the penalties imposed so far have been insufficient to deter influencers. Criminal prosecution, however, could discourage many due to the influencers’ high public profiles.
Ongoing Challenge of Illegal Gambling Websites
Kazakhstan is also actively trying to curb the presence of illegal gambling platforms. In 2025 alone, around 17,000 gambling websites have been blocked, but illicit sites continue to resurface.
Many illegal operators counter these bans by quickly launching mirror websites shortly after being shut down, with backup sites prepared to maintain their online presence.
