Association of the Gaming and Entertainment Industry (AIRI)

History and Founding

Kyrgyzstan's gambling sector was reborn through legislation passed in 2022 that ended a long-standing prohibition on casinos and sports betting. The first batch of licences were awarded in 2023, and by early 2024 the industry had expanded enough to require a collective representative body. The Association of the Gaming and Entertainment Industry (AIRI) was formally launched in Bishkek in 2024, as reported by Global Gaming Insider, with the mission to unite and represent all licensed gaming operators. The association was established to act as a bridge between private operators and the State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Gambling and Lottery under the Ministry of Finance.

Objectives and Activities

AIRI's core objectives revolve around promoting responsible gambling, establishing industry-wide standards of conduct, and facilitating constructive dialogue with policymakers. It positions itself as a partner to the government in stamping out illegal gambling and enhancing the reputation of Kyrgyzstan's gaming sector. Key activities include lobbying for favourable regulatory adjustments, organising industry events and seminars, providing a platform for dispute resolution among members, and offering compliance guidance to help operators meet local requirements. The association also runs educational campaigns and self-regulation codes to minimise gambling-related harm.

Membership and Market Position

As the only trade body for Kyrgyzstan's regulated gaming industry, AIRI holds a unique position in the market. Its membership is believed to include all major licensed casinos, sports betting firms, and related entertainment businesses, though exact numbers have not been publicly disclosed. By offering a unified voice, the association aims to foster a stable and transparent market that supports sustainable growth. Its primary leverage lies in its ability to present a cohesive operator front to regulators.

Future Outlook

The long-term success of AIRI will depend on its ability to maintain unity among its members and sustain a constructive relationship with the Kyrgyz government. The association faces challenges such as the ongoing expansion of the legal market, the need for effective responsible gambling enforcement, and the threat of unlicensed operators. If it can navigate these issues, AIRI is well-positioned to shape the regulatory evolution of Central Asia's iGaming landscape and become a model for other nascent gambling markets in the region.