Tengrinews.kz - On September 9, Kazakhstan implemented new amendments restricting advertising of bookmakers and betting services in the media. Tengrinews.kz reporters investigated how the removal of gambling advertisements is progressing across the regions.
Pavlodar Region
In Pavlodar, eight banners advertising bookmakers and betting games that were previously displayed on buildings and residential houses have recently been taken down.
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The Pavlodar Architecture and Urban Planning Department, in collaboration with advertising agencies, managed to dismantle all eight billboards in the city. These banned advertisements will be disposed of, and the street billboards will be repurposed for other advertisements.
East Kazakhstan Region
In anticipation of the law's enactment, East Kazakhstan municipalities began preparations early. The regional administration had conducted briefings with entrepreneurs and advertising professionals in August.
In Ust-Kamenogorsk, nine banners advertising betting services were identified and removed. These banners were placed in highly visible locations on tall buildings and along busy roads. The city administration has replaced some of these with social advertisements highlighting the harms of gambling addiction.
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Kyzylorda Region
Local authorities assure that no betting services are currently active in the region. The city administration has removed 19 betting advertisements from various posts. They have also conducted briefings with public institutions about compliance with the new law and informed them of the consequences for non-compliance.
Semey
In Semey, 13 betting banners were previously displayed, but they have all been removed. The local design organization reports that one of the advertisers removed their banners in early August.
Atyrau
In Atyrau, around 10 gambling advertisements were previously displayed. All of them have been removed following the President's decree. Local businesses had already begun phasing out gambling ads before the law took effect.
Kostanay
The Kostanay city administration has sent written notifications to advertising agencies about the recent legislative changes. They are currently monitoring compliance regarding the advertisement of betting services.
Turkestan Region
In Turkestan, three gambling banners have already been dismantled. The regional administration has pledged to continue removing remaining structures gradually.
Petropavlovsk
The Petropavlovsk city administration has notified advertising agencies about the need to remove gambling ads promptly, in line with the new law.
Aktau
Aktau's Department of Entrepreneurship and Agriculture has been issuing warning letters weekly regarding the removal of gambling advertisements. The city administration has reminded advertisers of the need to take down all billboards related to betting services.
On July 8, 2024, Kazakhstan's President signed a law introducing amendments to several legislative acts concerning gambling, lotteries, health protection, labor inspection, state control, and reducing excessive regulation. The law imposes restrictions on the advertising of bookmakers and betting services, banning outdoor advertising, vehicle ads, and media promotions related to gambling.
The President has emphasized that gambling addiction is a serious issue that destroys families and exacerbates social problems.
Public servants banned from gambling in Kazakhstan
