In Bishkek, law enforcement authorities have uncovered an underground casino operated by foreign nationals. Disguised as a karaoke venue and operating discreetly, the establishment catered to a limited clientele.
Upon raiding the casino, police found over 20 individuals from "one of the Asian countries" and 13 girls, one of whom was underage, inside the premises. Seized items included gambling tables, cash, chips, and other paraphernalia associated with illegal gambling activities.
All foreign nationals involved were taken into custody, with the owner of the underground casino—a foreign citizen born in 1984—subsequently deported from the country. Additionally, the establishment's administrator, a resident of Bishkek, was detained by authorities.
Kyrgyzstan has stringent regulations regarding gambling establishments, with only a select few permitted to operate legally. The discovery of this underground casino comes amid ongoing debates in the country's parliament about potentially banning gambling activities altogether, citing concerns from religious communities.
