Astana, April 19, the House of the Mazhilis. At the plenary session of the Mazhilis, deputies will consider in the first reading a draft law on gambling, lotteries and lottery activities. This decision was made today by the Bureau of the Mazhilis, which was chaired by the Speaker of the Chamber Yerlan Koshanov.

The draft law with accompanying amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences was developed by deputies of Parliament in pursuance of the instruction of the Head of State in order to protect citizens from the formation of gambling addiction (ludomania) when participating in gambling and betting.

The proposed amendments are aimed at establishing a ban on participation in gambling and (or) betting for individuals under the age of 25, persons who are limited in participation and are in the Unified Register of Debtors. In addition, separate requirements for the distribution (sale) of lottery tickets are introduced, and advertising of bookmakers and sweepstakes is prohibited. Criminal liability is introduced for organizing the activities of an electronic casino and an online casino, as well as administrative liability for allowing persons under the age of 25 and persons restricted in gambling and betting to participate.

In the first reading, deputies are also invited to consider government amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses on Mass Media Issues, developed in order to harmonize them with the provisions of the Law "On Mass Media" adopted earlier by the Majilis.

For discussion in the second reading, the draft agenda of the plenary session also includes legislative amendments by deputies regarding support for the use of renewable energy sources, electric power industry and natural monopolies.

The press service of the Mazhilis - 74-63-05. Photo by J. Zhumabekova