The Republic of Kyrgyzstan was born on 21 December 1991 after declaring independence from the Soviet Union on 31 August that year. Twenty years on the country is still suffering from ethnic clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities and is ranked one of the top twenty countries in the world with the highest perceived level of corruption. It is said to be the widespread corruption that has led to the recent overwhelming vote in parliament in support of a bill to ban gambling.
Almost without opposition the bill was passed to close casinos throughout Kyrgyzstan. Just as in Russia, but on a smaller scale, the new law will allow for one gambling zone to be established but so far no such location has been allocated. Gambling, particularly at the smaller operations, has become a major social problem. Under the new law, due to come into force on 1 January 2012, other forms of gambling and gaming machines also will be banned.
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Thousands of casino workers have protested against the gambling ban in the capital Bishkek as well as in Osh and Jalalabad in the south of the country. The Kyrgyzstan president must sign the new law into effect but Roza Otunbayeva has previously stated that she believes an outright ban on gambling would allow illegal operations to flourish. However, with presidential elections in October, where she will not be a candidate, if the bill remains pending it is likely the new President will make signing the gambling ban a priority. (E-09.30.11)
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