In a move aimed at curbing the growing problem of gambling addiction in the country, the government of Kyrgyzstan has announced tighter regulations on the gambling industry. The new measures, which were approved by the parliament on Monday, are set to come into effect on January 1, 2021.
Under the new regulations, all casinos and other gambling establishments in Kyrgyzstan will be required to obtain a special license from the government in order to operate legally. The licensing process will include thorough background checks on the owners and operators of the establishments, as well as strict guidelines on the types of games that can be offered.
In addition, the government has announced that it will be implementing stricter enforcement measures to crack down on illegal gambling operations. This includes increased monitoring of internet gambling sites, as well as stiffer penalties for those found to be engaging in illegal gambling activities.
The move comes in response to a recent surge in gambling addiction in Kyrgyzstan, which has raised concerns among health officials and lawmakers. According to a recent study, the number of people seeking treatment for gambling addiction in the country has more than doubled in the past decade.
In a statement, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Health, Gulnara Kudaibergenova, said that the new regulations were necessary to protect the health and well-being of the country’s citizens. “We have seen an alarming increase in the number of people struggling with gambling addiction in Kyrgyzstan, and it is clear that stronger regulations are needed to address this issue,” she said.
The government’s decision to tighten gambling regulations has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step to protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers of gambling addiction, others have expressed concern about the potential impact on the country’s tourism industry.
In response to these concerns, the government has assured the public that the new regulations will not have a negative impact on the tourism sector. In fact, they believe that the measures will help to improve the country’s overall reputation as a safe and responsible destination for tourists.
Overall, the government’s decision to tighten gambling regulations in Kyrgyzstan reflects a growing awareness of the social and health implications of gambling addiction. By taking action to address this issue, the government is sending a strong message that the well-being of its citizens is a top priority. Only time will tell if these measures will be effective in curbing the problem of gambling addiction in the country.
