Legal Gambling in Russia: How Players Are Protected

Publication date: 17 September 2025

We have prepared a comprehensive guide on the legal status of gambling in Russia and the risks of gaming addiction. It will be useful for those who want to clearly understand the boundaries of what is allowed in order to avoid legal problems and financial losses.

In the new 3S.INFO material, exclusively legal forms of gambling are thoroughly analyzed, along with specific signs of ludomania that help identify troubling symptoms early in oneself or loved ones. Particularly valuable is up-to-date information about the mechanism of state protection — the voluntary self-exclusion through Gosuslugi. This instruction provides a practical tool for those seeking to regain control over their lives and prevent destructive consequences of gambling addiction.

What Types of Gambling Are Legal in Russia?

In Russia, only two types of gambling are legal but with significant restrictions:

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Sports betting and sweepstakes

Bets can be placed online on websites of licensed Russian bookmakers such as Fonbet, Betcity, Liga Stavok, 1xStavka. These sites must use domains in the .ru zone and operate within the CUPIS system (Center for Accounting of Internet Bets) for player identification and payment control.

Offline betting is also available at betting points (bookmaker offices) of these operators.

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Casinos and slot machines are allowed only in five specially designated gambling zones within the territory of Russia. Outside these zones, any casinos and slot machines are prohibited.
1. “Azov-City” (Krasnodar Krai);
2. “Siberian Coin” (Altai Krai);
3. “Yantar” (Kaliningrad Oblast);
4. “Primorye” (Primorsky Krai);
5. “Yalta” (Crimea).
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In Russia, it is illegal to play roulette, poker, or slot machines outside designated gambling zones. Underground clubs and online casinos operating within Russia are all considered illegal. For more details on regulations and prospects for legal casinos in Russia, read “Russia’s Gaming Zones: What Awaits the Gambling Market?”

What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction (or ludomania, from Latin “ludo” meaning “to play” and Greek “mania” meaning “passion”), also known as pathological gambling, is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to gamble despite negative consequences for life, health, finances and social relationships.

Main Signs of Gambling Addiction:

Loss of Control: Inability to stop playing or reduce time and money spent on gambling.
Obsession with Gambling: Constant thinking about strategies, past games or planning next bets.
Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost money by placing additional bets.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, studies, family obligations or personal needs.
Lying and Secrecy: Hiding the extent of one’s dependence from loved ones.
Financial Problems: Debts, loans, selling possessions to fund gambling.
Emotional Swings: Irritability, anxiety, depression when unable to gamble.
Risk-Taking Behavior: Playing large sums regardless of potential consequences.

Gambling addiction has been recognized by WHO (World Health Organization) as a mental disorder. It’s important to distinguish it from moderate recreational gambling. If you or someone close to you faces this issue, seek professional help (psychologist, psychiatrist).

How Is Gambling Addiction Prevented in Russia?

In Russia, in 2025, a set of measures is being implemented to protect players from gambling addiction:

A law introducing self-exclusion from gambling activities was enacted, allowing individuals to restrict access to casinos, betting shops and gaming platforms for a period of one year. The law came into effect on September 1, 2025. Self-exclusion is processed via the Gosuslugi portal, after which operators do not accept bets from excluded individuals, helping people with addictions avoid relapses.
Information on responsible gambling and warnings about dependency risks are mandatory in gaming halls and on websites.
Advertising of gambling is prohibited to reduce attraction of new players.
Comprehensive preventive measures are carried out, including educational programs for teenagers and the general public, informing them about the consequences of addiction, and controlling access to gambling zones based on age and mental condition.
Medical and psychological assistance includes psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and rehabilitation programs aimed at treatment and prevention of relapse.
Work is conducted at three levels of prevention: primary (targeting everyone, including young people), secondary (for individuals with experience in gambling), and tertiary (for consolidating results after treating addiction).
Special attention is given to vulnerable groups: youth, individuals with other dependencies and socially vulnerable people.
Plans include developing specialized centers and consultative services, although currently there are few such institutions in Russia.

Thus, protecting players from gambling addiction relies on legislative restrictions (self-exclusion, advertising ban), prevention through education and awareness campaigns, as well as psychological and medical support with rehabilitation.

How to Apply for Self-Exclusion from Gambling and Betting Through Gosuslugi?

In Russia, a measure called self-exclusion from gambling is available to protect against gambling addiction, which can be applied through the Gosuslugi portal. Here are the main points and instructions for applying:

What Self-Exclusion Measures for Bookmakers and Casinos Are Available in Russia?

Self-exclusion allows limiting participation in any form of gambling, including betting at betting shops, casinos and gaming arcades.

The minimum duration of self-exclusion is 12 months, with options to choose longer periods or indefinite prohibition.

Once submitted, the application cannot be revoked until the chosen term expires.

An individual under self-exclusion will be unable to place bets, visit gaming establishments, or receive promotional messages from gambling organizers.

Their information is included in a unified registry of self-excluded individuals, updated daily.

How to Apply for Self-Exclusion from iGaming Through Gosuslugi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Log in to the Gosuslugi portal using your verified account.
Search for the service related to self-exclusion from gambling (e.g., “Inclusion in the Unified Registry of Self-Excluded Individuals”).
Fill out the electronic form providing personal data and the duration of the exclusion (from 12 months onwards).
Sign the statement with a simple electronic signature.
Submit the application for review.

After submitting the application, the person is added to the register within 12-24 hours, following which access to gambling activities is automatically blocked.

This mechanism helps individuals consciously limit themselves and reduce the risk of developing gambling addiction through a convenient online service without visiting offline institutions.

Playing legally isn’t just about complying with the law; it’s about ensuring your personal safety, financial stability, and mental well-being. It’s crucial to engage in legal gambling and take proactive steps to safeguard yourself from addiction!