700,000 addicts: Why gambling addiction become a threat to Kazakhstan

According to the latest data from parliamentarians, the number of citizens addicted to betting has reached 700,000, El.kz reports.

Figures with families behind them

Behind this figure are thousands of broken families, lost time, critical debt, and accompanying social crises. The Majilis Deputy emphasized that the legalization of the gambling business has brought about severe consequences for the long-term stability of society.

"Behind these 700,000 addicted citizens are ruined families, wasted years, enormous financial losses, and accumulated social and domestic problems," the deputy stated.

A Program for 300 people vs. 700,000 addicts

The current Comprehensive Plan to Combat Gambling Addiction is designed to provide rehabilitation for only 300 people. This represents less than one-tenth of one percent of those currently in need of help. The gap between the scale of the disaster and the government's response is astronomical.

"It is obvious that such a figure is incapable of solving the problem, let alone preventing its further escalation," Nurlan Auesbaev noted.

Auesbayev proposed a significant expansion of rehabilitation services including medical, psychological, and social support while ensuring total patient confidentiality. Currently, the lack of anonymity remains one of the primarymbarriers preventing individuals from seeking help.

The Deputies' proposals

In addition to expanding rehabilitation the deputy raised the issue of post-treatment support. A specific proposal included introducing a mechanism for a temporary deferral of bank loan payments for those who have completed a course of addiction treatment.

The logic is clear: a person emerging from rehabilitation under the weight of debt faces a high risk of relapse. A "financial breather" could facilitate genuine recovery rather than serving as a mere formal conclusion to the program.