Full Fledged Gambling Ban Comes to Force in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has banned all forms of gambling, betting and bookmakers as President Almazbek Atambayev signed the law in order to prevent negative impact of gambling on people.

The "Law on Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts" was first adopted by the Parliament in February. The president believes that the law will prevent creation of gambling problems especially when it comes to younger generations of Kyrgyzstan.

The document was designed to ban gambling but it also bans gambling establishments and organization of gambling as such, for example betting offices and companies in Kyrgyzstan. It also includes ban on alcohol and tobacco adverts which, in president’s opinion, have negative impact on people as well.

The document explains that adverts are raising interest in tobacco and alcohol products and negatively influence the mental state and moral of people.

It is designed to prevent problems caused by gambling, including gambling addiction, and it should protect vulnerable people that are easily attracted to gambling and alcohol.

To be clear, all forms gambling are banned in Kyrgyzstan from January 1st 2012 and authorities banned import of gambling equipment and machines. Back in 2012, the government has announced that all existing gambling equipment and machines will be confiscated.

However owners of casinos and general population didn't agree with the government and thousands of casino workers demonstrated in front of the parliament. Even though the government banned gambling, there are more than 20 casinos and gambling halls currently operating in Kyrgyzstan.

When it comes to online gambling, the situation is pretty much the same. Online gambling is also banned in Kyrgyzstan but residents can still access online gambling websites from their computers. There are no local online poker sites so they play mostly on foreign-based gambling sites.

According to the gamingzion.com language is also problem for players from Kyrgyzstan because none of the foreign-based online gambling websites offer their services in Kyrgyz. However most of Kyrgyzstan’s population speaks Russian and there are many gambling sites that offer services in Russian language.

The law that president Almazbek signed will come into force 15 days after its official publication. Even though casinos are a major source of tax revenue, all gambling establishment will probably have to close when this law comes into force.

Photo: videocool.ch