Kyrgyzstan reopens to gambling

Twelve years after banning gambling, Kyrgyzstan has opened its doors again.

The bill passed in June to legalise gambling was signed into law by the country’s president, Sadyr Japarov, last week.

Now operators can open casinos in hotels and restaurants for players aged 21 or over and who are foreign passport holders. Details include the necessity to establish venues away from schools and other community areas, but it will permit slots halls, online gaming and bookmakers’ shops.

The venues in the capital, Bishkek, have to contain a minimum of 10 live tables, with five in other towns and cities and the slots rooms must have at least 30 machines. Payouts from slots must show a minimum average of 75 per cent.