A resident of the Akmola Region was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for organising illegal gambling on Instagram. The amount of illegal income exceeded KZT 90.6 million.
WHAT IS KNOWN
According to the Astana City Prosecutor's Office, the convicted woman created an Instagram account through which she posted advertisements and conducted gambling live on air for a year.
Four people took part in each game. The bet size ranged from KZT 100 to 2,100. The winner was the participant who was dealt the highest prize card.
The winnings were formed from the total sum of all participants' bets minus the organiser's percentage. Over the course of the games, the total illegal income exceeded KZT 90.6 million.
WHAT PUNISHMENT THE COURT IMPOSED
The court found the woman guilty of organising an illegal gambling business. Her actions were classified under paragraph 3 of part 2 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Organisation of an illegal gambling business").
The court sentenced her to four years' imprisonment. In addition, the city prosecutor's claim for recovery of the illegally obtained income was upheld.
WHAT LIABILITY IS PROVIDED FOR
The Astana Prosecutor's Office reminds that organising gambling and lotteries on the internet without a special licence is a criminal offence.
According to the department, for an illegal gambling business, including using Instagram and TikTok, punishment is provided for of up to seven years' imprisonment with confiscation of property and lifelong deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities.
CONTEXT
Earlier, four residents of the Zhetisu Region were convicted for organising illegal gambling on TikTok. During live broadcasts, they conducted card games for money and received KZT 95 million.
Each was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with confiscation of property. One of the participants was a minor at the time of the offence.
