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Casino and gambling in Russia
Gambling in Russia has undergone a complex evolution - from the complete freedom of the 1990s to strict state regulation after 2009.
Today, there are several official gambling zones in the country, as well as legal bookmakers, but online casinos are prohibited.
However, interest in gambling remains high, and some of the players go to international venues.
Historical context
After the collapse of the USSR, gambling in Russia existed for a long time with little or no control.
In the 1990s, casinos, slot machines and bookmakers appeared throughout the country - from Moscow to Vladivostok.
However, the massive spread of unlicensed establishments and the growth of social criticism led to the adoption in 2006 of Law No. 244-FZ "On State Regulation of Activities for the Organization and Conduct of Gambling," which entered into force in 2009.
This law completely changed the market:- gambling is only allowed in designated gambling areas;
- casinos and slot machines are banned in other regions;
- online gambling outside the state register was declared illegal.
Gambling zones of Russia
Today, Russia officially has five gambling zones created by government decrees:These zones have the status of special territories where casinos can operate on the basis of licenses issued by the government of the Russian Federation.
The main goal is to develop tourism and create jobs.
Online gambling
Online casinos are officially banned in Russia.
Federal Law No. 244-FZ prohibits the organization and conduct of gambling on the Internet, except in cases expressly provided for by law - for example, bets through licensed bookmakers.
The state is actively blocking illegal sites through Roskomnadzor and the Federal Tax Service, but it is impossible to completely stop players' access to foreign platforms.
Players from Russia often use sites with international licenses - Malta, Curacao, Costa Rica, Gibraltar, etc.
Foreign brands popular among Russians:- 1xSlots, BC. Game, Stake, Pin-Up, Casino-X, JoyCasino, Vavada, Betsson, PlayFortuna.
These sites run on foreign servers and accept cryptocurrency or alternative payment systems to bypass locks.
Legal online segment: bookmakers and lotteries
The only form of legal online gambling in Russia remains:1. Online sports betting through licensed betting companies;
2. State lotteries (e.g. "Stoloto").
Online bookmakers
All legal bookmakers are required to be members of the Self-Regulatory Organization of Bookmakers (SRO) and use the Unified TsUPIS betting accounting system (from 2021 - the Unified Gambling Regulator).
Major licensed operators:- Liga Stavok, Fonbet, BetBoom, 1xStavka, Winline, Pari, Leon, Mostbet. ru.
Players undergo mandatory identification, and their operations are controlled by the state regulator.
State lotteries
Only lotteries conducted by Technological Company Center JSC (Stoloto brand) are officially allowed.
Other private lotteries are considered illegal.
Licensing and taxation
Licenses for organizing gambling are issued by the Federal Tax Service (FTS of Russia).
Each casino shall:- have an authorized capital of 600 million rubles;
- store equipment on the territory of the gambling zone;
- provide online access to regulatory authorities.
Responsible play and control
Control over the gambling industry is carried out by:- FTS of Russia - licensing and financial supervision;
- Roskomnadzor - blocking illegal sites;
- Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation - development of a policy in the field of gambling.
- mandatory identification of players;
- control of age qualification (18 +);
- a ban on the participation of persons with gambling addiction;
- creation of a register of self-limitations.
Economic importance
Although the market is limited, the gambling industry remains a source of tax revenues and regional development.
According to the Ministry of Finance (2024):- the total turnover of gambling zones - more than 60 billion ₽ per year;
- annual tax revenues - about 10 billion ₽;
- more than 8,000 jobs in gambling zones;
- a significant contribution to tourism in the Krasnodar and Primorsky Territories.
At the same time, the illegal online segment is estimated by experts at up to 1 trillion ₽ of turnover annually, which indicates a colossal shadow potential.
Challenges and challenges
a high proportion of illegal online gambling;- lack of transparent rules for the digital sector;
- locks do not stop access to foreign sites;
- audience migration to crypto and offshore casinos;
risk of tax and capital leakage.
The authorities are discussing the possibility of creating state licensing of online games in the future - with strict control and integration with TsUPIS.
Development prospects
The Russian government is considering a reform of gambling legislation in 2025-2026. Possible steps:- allowing online casinos under state control;
- creation of a national gambling platform like Gosloto;
- strengthening AML mechanisms and blockchain audit of transactions;
- the development of esports as a legal alternative to gambling.
If this happens, Russia will be able to legalize part of the shadow turnover and turn it into a regulated sector, while maintaining control and social responsibility.
Gambling in Russia is a tightly regulated but dynamically developing area.
Casinos are concentrated in special zones, bookmakers operate under a license, and online gambling remains a gray zone.
Despite the restrictions, interest in gambling is growing, and in the coming years, Russia may move from a policy of bans to a model of partial legalization of online gambling, while maintaining full state control over the industry.
