Kazakhstan Betting Market Drops After Payment Reforms

Kazakhstan’s regulated betting market recorded a sharp decline during the first half of 2026, with player activity falling by nearly 70%, according to a report by Blask. The downturn followed the introduction of new regulatory measures that disrupted payment services for licensed betting operators.

Payment Reforms Impact Licensed Operators

The biggest disruption came after the rollout of the Unified Betting Accounting System (ESU) and the mandatory adoption of NomadPay. Many licensed bookmakers were unable to meet the new technical and regulatory requirements, prompting banks to suspend deposit and withdrawal services for a large number of licensed operators.

As a result, some bettors reportedly shifted to unlicensed platforms while authorities stepped up enforcement of the updated regulations.

Regulatory Changes Reshape the Market

The payment reforms form part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of the gambling industry and tighten its regulatory framework.

Authorities have expanded self-exclusion measures, increased controls over payments linked to illegal gambling, introduced stricter compliance obligations and enhanced financial monitoring across the sector.

Betting Remains the Leading Gambling Segment

Despite the significant decline in regulated betting activity, sports betting continues to be the country's most popular form of gambling.

Kazakhstan continues to regulate the industry under its updated Gambling Law, which was amended in May 2026. The latest changes require licensed bookmakers to process all electronic wagers and payouts through the central accounting system, enabling regulators to monitor transactions, verify player identities and detect unlicensed gambling operations.