Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
In Russia, Federal Law No. 244-FZ is the primary legislation that regulates and forbids online casino gambling. Introduced in 2006, it prohibits online gambling, except for licensed sports betting.
Enforcement is managed by regulatory bodies such as Roskomnadzor, which monitors illegal websites. Meanwhile, the Federal Tax Service licenses and oversees legal operators.
Roskomnadzor
- Responsible for blocking illegal online gambling sites.
- It maintains a blacklist of gambling domains, including foreign online casinos.
- Plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with Federal Law No. 244.
- Collaborates with financial institutions to block payments linked to illegal gambling activities.
- Enforces financial penalties against companies or individuals involved in illegal gambling.
- Monitors advertisements related to unlicensed online casinos.
Russia’s stringent control is likely to persist due to concerns about illegal money flows and organized crime. While this approach may seem over-restrictive, I think it’s the only way to keep gambling revenues under control in this case.
Gambling in Russia
Gambling in Russia is highly restricted, with only a few legal avenues available. Land-based gambling is allowed but limited to five special zones – Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, Altay, Primorye, and Crimea.
Outside these areas, all casinos are banned, and the majority of gambling activities, including poker and slot machines, are heavily regulated.
Quick Factsheet
- Land-based casinos are legal only in Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, Altay, Primorye, and Crimea.
- Online casinos are completely illegal.
- Lottery games are legal and run by the state monopoly, Stoloto.
- Sports betting is legal both online and offline through licensed operators.
- Illegal gambling sites are heavily monitored and blocked by Roskomnadzor.
- The Federal Tax Service issues licenses for legal gambling.
- Payment transactions for online betting must go through the TSUPIS system.
- Strict penalties apply for participation in illegal gambling.
The only legal online gambling is sports betting and lottery through Stoloto. Of course, you should engage in these activities through licensed sites and make payments through the TSUPIS system to ensure compliance.
Gambling History and Future
Before the Soviet era, gambling was a popular pastime among the elite. Yet, by 1928, all forms of gambling were banned under the Soviet regime. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia reopened the doors to legal gambling.
The industry boomed throughout the 1990s, with casinos flourishing in major cities like Moscow. However, this golden era came to an abrupt halt in 2006 with the passage of Federal Law No. 244-FZ.
Russian Flag
- 1928 – All forms of gambling are banned under the Soviet Union.
- 1991 – After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, gambling is legalized.
- 2002 – The Federal Sports Agency takes control of gambling licenses.
- 2006 – Federal Law No. 244-FZ is introduced, restricting land-based casinos to designated zones and banning online gambling.
- 2009 – Casinos are closed nationwide except in four special gambling zones.
- 2014 – Yalta (Crimea) is confirmed as a new gambling zone, bringing the total to five.
- 2016 – Legal online sports betting starts, regulated by the TSUPIS system.
While land-based casinos remain confined to five designated zones, traditional Russian card games like Durak remain culturally significant. Finally, the future of gambling in Russia seems to be heading toward tighter controls, particularly online.
Conclusion
By now, it should be clear that online casinos in Russia are strictly illegal. Yet, not all is lost – you can still bet on sports through licensed sites and participate in the state lottery via Stoloto.
Meanwhile, the key takeaway for land-based gamblers is that you can still play slots, table games, and poker in a few regulated zones, such as Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, and, most recently, Crimea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our experts addressed the common questions about gambling in Russia. Feel free to reach out if you need more information.
Is online gambling in Russia legal?
Online gambling is generally illegal in Russia, except for online sports betting, which is legal through licensed sportsbooks. Online casinos are banned, and Roskomnadzor blocks unlicensed websites.
When was gambling banned in Russia?
Gambling was banned in Russia in 2006 under Federal Law No. 244-FZ, which restricted all gambling activities to designated zones and banned online casinos. Yet, in 2016, online sports betting was restored.
Is 1xbet owned by Russia?
1xbet was founded in Russia, but it's not owned by the government. It's a private company now registered offshore in Cyprus and operates internationally under various licenses. It's not publicly listed and remains under the control of its founders and other stakeholders.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova