Abstract
This article examines the lack of independence of Article 444 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses, which establishes liability for participation in gambling. The article examines the derivative nature of this provision, as it applies only if a court verdict has entered into force in a criminal case initiated under Article 307 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, declaring gambling activity illegal and consistent with the characteristics of gambling. This legal structure creates a dependence of administrative liability on criminal prosecution, which contradicts the principles of promptness and inevitability of punishment. Based on an analysis of Kazakhstan legislation, law enforcement practice, and scientific approaches, it is concluded that the existing administrative liability mechanism does not fully meet the goals of state regulation of gambling. The authors conclude that comprehensive improvements to the regulatory framework are necessary, along with clarification of the provisions of Article 444 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan and increased coordination between government agencies. Furthermore, the authors substantiate the need for legislative delineation and clarification of the legal nature of gambling in the context of administrative prosecution.