Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan explained why some websites still feature calls to "try your luck" at betting, despite the recent ban on advertising online bookmakers.
A complaint was received regarding the intrusive advertisements of bookmakers that pop up while watching movies on popular websites. Tengrinews.kz submitted an official inquiry to the Ministry of Culture and Information.
“There is no technical possibility to block banner ads of bookmakers and (or) totalizators placed on specific websites in a targeted manner. However, if a website is entirely filled with bookmaker adverts, measures will be taken to restrict access to it under the ‘Law on Communications’," the ministry stated.
The Ministry of Culture noted that since the beginning of this year, 11,306 materials containing advertisements and activities related to online casinos have been identified during internet monitoring. Access to 7,092 websites and links has been restricted based on 166 directives from the authorized body.
"Additionally, access to 51 websites involved in the operations of illegal bookmakers has been restricted based on 14 prescriptions from the authorized body in the mass media sector," the ministry's press service shared.
The Ministry of Culture clarified that work is currently underway to reapprove subordinate normative legal acts, including a document that regulates the monitoring of media activities.
"In this regard, monitoring compliance with the regulation restricting bookmaker advertisements will commence after the corresponding subordinate legal act is approved," the ministry said.
Recall that on September 9, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Gambling Business, Lottery Activities, Health Protection, State Labor Inspection, State Control, and Elimination of Excessive Legislative Regulation," came into force, introducing a provision that prohibits advertising bookmakers and (or) totalizators in Article 13 of the “Law on Advertising”.
