Thus, it can be concluded that although some figures in assessing gambling addiction in Kazakhstan are exaggerated, this problem is relevant for our citizens. It is important to maintain a healthy and moderate approach to this issue - as practice shows, in most cases, a complete ban on various types of gambling does not eradicate the problem itself, but only works as a temporary solution. A striking example of this is China - where gambling is almost completely banned, for example, casinos in China are allowed only in one city - Macau. Despite this, the population of China continues to bypass bans on the same online casinos and illegal online games using VPNs, mirror sites and other methods.
China still occupies a leading position in the illegal online gaming market - about $ 600 billion per year, and 80% of Chinese tourists continue to play in casinos abroad. (6) The results of the Qalam Foundation's research new zealand phone data show that, in a similar pattern, a complete ban on online casinos in Kazakhstan had no effect on the number of players returning to these sites, despite their illegality. (3) It is necessary to address the underlying reasons why people turn to gambling, such as dissatisfaction with the quality of life, personal income, the range of available entertainment, and the tendency of a certain group of the population to have depressive moods.
It is worth noting the speed with which these entertainment categories leading to gambling addiction have become highly accessible and popular thanks to the Internet and extensive advertising campaigns. Compared to classic gambling establishments (for example, a physical casino), their online versions become a platform for a wider audience and significantly shorten the addict's path "from home to the trigger." For example, according to a study by the BRIF Research Group agency , the majority of respondents who are into gambling place bets on totalizators — 56%. (7) This type of gambling is also the leader in frequency: 12% of respondents place bets daily.