CUPIS in Russia: History, Structure, Regulation and Prospects until 2030

Publication date: 14 August 2025

1CUPIS is a mandatory component of legal betting in Russia and a multifunctional fintech platform. On 3S.INFO, we provide a detailed explanation of CUPIS’s history, evolution, current functions, impact on players, bookmakers and the state. You’ll learn how identification works, which bookmakers are connected to the system, and explore the pros and cons for all parties involved. 

What Is CUPIS? 

CUPIS (Center for Accounting of Interactive Gaming Transactions) is a mandatory component of legal betting in Russia. All online bets placed through licensed bookmakers pass through this system. Today, 1CUPIS serves not only as a payment gateway but also as a full-fledged fintech instrument for players, operators and the state.

History of Creating CUPIS in Russia

In the early 2010s, online betting in Russia existed in a semi-legal gray area. Most bookmakers operated under offshore licenses (Curacao, Malta, Isle of Man), circumventing Russian regulation through mirrors and alternative payment solutions. The state missed out on tax revenues, while users lacked legal protections.

In 2016, the first CUPIS were launched. Essentially, these centers were payment processors under the control of self-regulating organizations (SROs) of bookmakers. Their tasks included:

• Controlling players’ financial transactions;
• Ensuring Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance;
• Collecting taxes on winnings;
• Maintaining records of contributions aimed at developing sports.

There were two major CUPIS:

1. NPO “QIWI Bank” (for Self-Regulatory Organization “Association of Bookmakers”)
2. NPO “Mobile Card” (for Self-Regulatory Organization “First SRO”)

Both structures worked similarly but weren’t interchangeable. A player could not transfer funds from a bookmaker under one SRO to a bookmaker under another SRO without re-registering.

In August 2021, the President of the Russian Federation signed Decree No. 236-RP. The document outlined:

• Creation of a Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI);
• Elimination of individual CUPIS;
• Transfer of functions to a 1CUPIS managed by NPO “Mobile Card.”

Since October 1, 2021, 1CUPIS has become the sole operator of all online bets in the legal segment of the Russian Federation.

Under Which Laws Does CUPIS Operate? 

Federal Law No. 244 “On State Regulation of Activities Related to Organizing and Conducting Gambling Games” was adopted in 2006. It restricted the activities of bookmakers on the internet by mandating registration and licensing. Defined the concept of interactive betting and established the obligation to conduct all settlements through authorized organizations (CUPIS).

Federal Law No. 493 “On Amendments…” (2020) introduced the establishment of a Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI), obligated all operators to connect to a unified settlement system (1CUPIS) and defined the procedure for allocating targeted contributions to sports.

Other Regulations: 

• Licensing of bookmakers (Roskomnadzor, Ministry of Finance).
• AML/KYC requirements under Federal Law No. 115.

What Does 1CUPIS Do Today (2025)?

• Serves over 22 million player wallets.
• Processes 2.4 million payments daily.
• 95% of transactions take less than a second.
• Withholds taxes (personal income tax 13–15%) and sends data to the Federal Tax Service.
• Allocates targeted contributions to sports (1.5–5% of bookmaker turnover).
• Provides CUPIS Wallet and a digital card compatible with Mir Pay and cashback features.
• Supports Responsible Gambling tools: limits, self-blocking.
• Integrated with SPB, Mir cards, Mir Pay, and P2P systems.

CUPIS Process for Players in 2025

1. Registration with a bookmaker: The user creates an account on the bookmaker’s website.
2. Setting up a CUPIS wallet: Automatically or manually, depending on the bookmaker.
3. Passing Identification (KYC):
   • Online through Gosuslugi, T-ID, Sber ID;
   • Completing an application with passport details and selfie photo;
   • Offline verification at Svyaznoy, Contact or a bookmaker’s payment acceptance point.
4. Deposit funding: Via bank card, SPB, or e-wallet.
5. Placement of bets and withdrawals: Winnings arrive in the CUPIS wallet and are transferred to the player’s card/bank account. 
6. Tax Accounting: The system automatically submits data to the Federal Tax Service.

How Does Verification Take Place in 1CUPIS?

Simplified (Online):

• Via Gosuslugi, T-ID or Sber ID;
• Through an online questionnaire with passport, SNILS/TIN and selfie photo.

Limits: Up to 60,000 rubles per operation, up to 200,000 rubles per month.

Full (Offline):

• At bookmaker offices, Svyaznoy salons, Contact points;
• Removes limits (except for those imposed by bookmakers and payment systems).

Which Bookmakers Are Connected to 1CUPIS? 

All legal Russian bookmakers operate through 1CUPIS:
Liga Stavok, Fonbet, Winline, Leon, OLIMPBET, Baltbet, Betcity, Pari, Marathon, BetBoom, Zenit, TENNISI.bet, Melbet, BETTERY and others.

For affiliates, this means: Any legal affiliate program in Russia will operate through 1CUPIS.

Who Benefits from CUPIS: Advantages and Disadvantages 

Development Prospects for 1CUPIS in 2026–2030

1. Audience Growth: Reaching 30 million users by 2030.
2. New FinTech Services: Physical Cards, P2P, Integration with Marketplaces.
3. AI and Big Data: Predicting Player Behavior, Fraud Detection.
4. Stronger KYC: Complete Elimination of Anonymous Operations.
5. Digital Ruble: Integration into 1CUPIS System.

1CUPIS is not just a mandatory component of legal betting in Russia but also a versatile fintech platform. For players, it ensures security; for bookmakers, legitimacy; and for the state, market transparency. By 2030, 1CUPIS could transform into the largest payment and data processing hub in the gambling industry. 

Anna Volotskaya

I write about sports, marketing, and betting. I manage the sports calendar and articles, making information clear and useful for...

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