Kyrgyzstan Proposed Opening Casinos in State-owned Buildings

The Cabinet of Ministers has proposed opening casinos in state-owned buildings, Orda.kz reports, citing Vesti.kg.The relevant bill will be considered in parliament.

According to current legislation, casinos must only be located in hotel complexes with restaurants. Opening gambling establishments in facilities that are fully or partially owned by the state is prohibited.

However, there are hotels in the country that are fully or partially municipally or state-owned.

According to the authorities, the amendments will only be beneficial, attracting investment, creating new jobs, and increasing tax revenues.

Placing gambling establishments in hotels owned by the state and municipalities will not only increase the flow of tourists, but also improve their competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. This will create additional sources of income for the budget, which can be used to develop the republic's tourism infrastructure,the explanatory note says.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova