Kazakhstan is considering toughening its stance against social media influencers promoting online casinos and betting platforms. Authorities argue that financial penalties no longer suffice to deter repeat offenders, as earnings from gambling promotions often outweigh existing fines.

The Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) has reported that 34 influencers were identified in early 2025 for advertising online gambling services through social media. Out of this group, 11 have received administrative fines. Under current regulations, fines begin at 200,000 KZT, the equivalent of about US$420. Despite these penalties, many continue to break the rules due to financial incentives.

Officials say the problem stems from the imbalance between penalties and the lucrative nature of gambling-related advertising. 

Push Towards Criminal Liability

In response, the FMA is weighing the introduction of criminal liability for repeat offenders. Authorities are considering whether the promotion of online gambling could be interpreted as aiding illegal activity. Under Kazakhstani law, such schemes carry criminal sanctions.

If this interpretation is adopted, influencers repeatedly found to be advertising gambling services could face harsher penalties, including potential imprisonment. Officials stress that the aim is to create meaningful safeguards matching the scale of the problem.

Broader Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Kazakhstan has banned public and media advertisements for online casinos and bookmakers under a 2024 law. However, online gambling networks remain active, particularly those operating from overseas. The FMA says that enforcement must evolve in line with the digital landscape, where international platforms can easily target Kazakhstani users through social media.

Since 2022, more than 200 illegal gambling operations have been dismantled in Kazakhstan, with 224 people held criminally liable. Over 17,000 online links have been blocked, mostly mirror sites for international betting platforms. Despite these measures, some domestic payment providers continue facilitating transactions connected to these services. The FMA has pledged to step up investigations into these intermediaries to cut off financial channels that enable illegal gambling.

Next Steps for Regulators

The debate over criminalising influencer promotions reflects a challenge for regulators worldwide. As gambling services shift online, enforcement strategies must adapt to new methods of promotion and distribution. Should Kazakhstan implement criminal penalties, this will be a significant policy shift from administrative fines toward harsher sanctions.

Authorities believe that stronger enforcement is necessary to protect consumers and limit the influence of unregulated gambling networks. For now, the FMA monitors violations closely while policymakers consider if criminal liability is the next step in combating illegal gambling promotions.