Bookmakers have been banned from playing casinos!

Publication date: 17 May 2023

Legitimate bookmakers in Russia have been banned from using imitation slot machines on their websites. The ban covers any casino symbols and a variety of randomizers, in which the winnings depend on a random choice.

Recall that in Russia only land-based casinos are allowed. All gambling establishments are located in several gambling zones: “Siberian Coin” (Altai), “Yantarnaya” (Kaliningrad Region), “Krasnaya Polyana” (Sochi) and “Primorye” zone. Online casinos are banned and their websites are blocked by Roskomnadzor.

As a result, in May 2023, a draft law previously proposed by the Ministry of Finance was approved by the Government’s Legislative Commission. The new ban is expected to reduce the likelihood of people becoming addicted to gambling. According to the authors of the initiative, “in times of economic and social instability, rising inflation, decreasing incomes and purchasing power of the population, gambling seems to many a simple way of making extra money.

Read also, what other bans may affect gambling market in Russia and how authorities are fighting against illegal casino advertising?