Mellstroy Game Giveaway Declared Illegal in Kazakhstan, Participants Warned

Kazakhstan’s Anti-Disinformation Center has recognized the giveaway organized by streamer Andrey “Mellstroy” Burim as illegal advertising for an online casino. Participants may face administrative or criminal charges for minor hooliganism and promoting illegal activities.

What is the Mellstroy Game Challenge?

The Mellstroy Game challenge was launched by streamer Andrey Burim, known as Mellstroy, who is currently wanted internationally in Russia and Belarus. He promised participants a giveaway of apartments and prizes totaling $1.5 million.

To participate, users were asked to record videos featuring socially risky behavior with the hashtag #MellstroyGame and mention his name or the casino. The Anti-Disinformation Center emphasized that the primary goal of these videos is viral promotion of gambling.

Examples of risky participant behavior

• In Russia, a mother tattooed her baby with a casino’s name.
• In Kazakhstan, a man legally changed his last name to “Melstroy.”
• Another participant was arrested for 15 days for running through a shopping mall wearing only underwear.

Risks for Participants

Chasing hype and promised prizes encourages risky behavior, especially among vulnerable people with gambling addictions. The Center noted that participation in such challenges:

• May violate the laws of Kazakhstan and other CIS countries.
• Provocations in public spaces can be classified as minor hooliganism.
• Sharing content involving minors can be considered facilitation of illegal activities.

Recommendations from the Anti-Disinformation Center

Kazakh citizens are advised to:

• Not trust promises of easy money or valuable prizes.
• Avoid participating in challenges related to casinos, betting, or risky actions.
• Not share such videos, even as a “joke.”
• Verify the sources, terms, and legal aspects of promotions.

Mellstroy Final Giveaway

The streamer will hold the final giveaway on November 9 during a live stream, instead of the originally planned November 17. The Center emphasized that participants should consider the illegality of the contest and possible consequences.