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While plans for new entertainment zones in Kazakhstan are being actively discussed, the condition of former gambling centers in the country raises concerns. A correspondent from Tengrinews.kz investigated the abandoned casinos in the city of Korday and their uncertain future.

A Steep Decline in the Gambling Industry

The number of official casinos in Kazakhstan has drastically decreased in recent years. In 2015, 22 casinos operated across the country. By 2023, this number had fallen to just six. According to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, there were once nearly 140 casinos and over 2,000 slot machine halls. Currently, only 39 licensed organizations remain: six casinos, 10 slot machine halls, 17 bookmaker offices, and 6 totalizators.

This significant reduction points to a crisis in the sector, attributed to a stringent tax policy and the growing popularity of online casinos.

Korday's 'Kazakhstan's Las Vegas': A Grim Reality

A correspondent visited Korday to witness the current state of the area once dubbed 'Kazakhstan's Las Vegas.' Instead of a vibrant hub of entertainment, the scene is one of derelict buildings, broken windows, and long-neglected structures.

Gambling activities have been permitted in Korday since 2007. Currently, five casinos operate officially, with advertising banners lining the roads. However, many closed establishments caught the correspondent's attention.

For instance, the 'Carlton' casino has been vacant for years, its windows smashed and doors sealed. The 'Star' casino's faded advertising sign has fallen from its wall. This building now shares its premises with a local government office.

The 'Asia Gold' casino was seized years ago due to its owner's debts. Despite being put up for sale multiple times since 2019 for 1.7 billion tenge, the sales have been unsuccessful. The 'XO Club' casino has been non-operational since 2019 and has also been listed for sale repeatedly, with auctions noted as 'cancelled.'

A New Life for Abandoned Buildings

Some former casino buildings have found new purposes. The site of the 'Flamingo' casino now houses the State Revenue Department for the Almaty region. The former 'Asia Gold' casino building is now occupied by the Almaty Regional Akimat (governor's office). Notably, the Akimat building still retains some of the former casino's ornate chandeliers and even a swimming pool.

Future Plans vs. Present Reality

Officials aim to attract foreign tourists by establishing new entertainment zones, with plans to restrict access to these areas exclusively for foreign citizens. According to Murat Sultanğaziyev, the Akim of the Almaty region, the gambling business contributes approximately 100 billion tenge annually in taxes to the regional budget and provides employment for over 3,500 people.

However, a significant gap exists between these ambitious plans and the current reality. For foreign tourists, not only the casinos themselves but also the surrounding infrastructure are crucial. Currently, the entertainment zone in Korday resembles a depressed industrial area more than a center for attracting wealthy tourists.

Overall, the future of Kazakhstan's gambling industry remains uncertain. While there are plans for new zones, the condition of existing abandoned facilities and the development of infrastructure present considerable challenges.