Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) has identified 34 bloggers promoting online casinos on social media, with 11 already facing administrative penalties. The agency has stated that fines alone are not deterring repeat offenders and is now considering introducing criminal liability for such activities.

A law passed in 2024 strictly prohibits outdoor advertising for bookmakers, online casinos and betting pools, as well as their promotion in media, films and video content. According to the FMA, over the past two and a half years, more than 200 illegal gambling operations have been dismantled, and 224 individuals have been held criminally accountable. However, the agency notes that the primary threat now stems from online casinos based abroad.

Since the beginning of this year, authorities have blocked more than 17,000 links, mostly mirror sites for foreign platforms. Despite these efforts, some Kazakhstani payment service providers continue to facilitate transactions linked to such websites. The FMA has pledged to intensify investigations into these financial intermediaries.

Influencer marketing remains a key channel for online gambling promotion. In the first half of the year alone, 34 influencers were identified as advertising gambling services, with 11 fined. But according to the FMA, revenues from such promotions far exceed the cost of the fines, creating incentives for repeated violations.

In response, the agency is exploring whether bloggers’ actions could be legally interpreted as aiding and abetting illegal gambling, a charge similar to promoting financial pyramid schemes, which already carries criminal penalties under Kazakhstani law. Currently, fines for illegal advertising on social media start at 200,000 KZT (approximately $420).

CT Interactive has further strengthened its presence in the regulated Slovak iGaming market with the successful certification of 10 additional games. This achievement brings the total number of certified titles in Slovakia to 30, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored to local market needs.

Among the newly certified titles, five are part of the popular Buy Bonus product line, specifically designed to enhance player engagement and elevate the overall gaming experience. Notable additions include 20 Mega Star, which extends the thrill, and the classic 50 Treasures, a game that consistently ranks among CT Interactive’s top 10 most popular titles globally.

“Certification in Slovakia is a key part of our European expansion strategy,” said Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive. “With these 10 new games, our portfolio in the country now totals 30 titles, strengthening our market presence and offering diverse, premium content to the regulated Slovak market.”

As part of CT Interactive’s broader growth strategy, the company remains focused on adapting its portfolio to meet the specific requirements and preferences of each market. It continuously explores the latest technologies and game mechanics that resonate with a wide range of players, all while ensuring full compliance with local regulatory standards.