Kyrgyz Gaming Sector Unites Under New Association AIRI

The Kyrgyz Republic has welcomed a new trade body, the Association of the Gaming and Entertainment Industry (AIRI), which will represent licensed casinos, sportsbooks, and lottery operators in a single organisation for the first time.

AIRI is tasked with championing the interests of the country's legal gambling vertical and improving dialogue between regulators, licensees, and other stakeholders. The association's formation is a significant step for Kyrgyzstan's regulated market, which was established with the legalisation of casino operations for foreign visitors.

The body intends to advance transparent business practices, support the evolution of gambling legislation, and push for the uptake of international compliance norms. Despite being newly formed, AIRI has quickly become a member of several national business coalitions, including the National Alliance of Business Associations (NABA), the Chamber of Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Business Development Council under the Cabinet of Ministers. It is also pursuing a memorandum of cooperation with the Financial Market Regulation and Supervision Service (Finnadzor).

AIRI President Kanykei Kalmatai Kyzy noted that public perception of gambling in Kyrgyzstan often relies on outdated views that do not reflect the current strict regulatory environment. Under existing law, casinos may serve only foreign patrons and must adhere to licensing, financial oversight, tax, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism financing requirements. Kalmatai Kyzy emphasised that the modern legal gambling sector should be judged by its contemporary compliance standards rather than historical stereotypes.