LEON Bookmaker: "There is No Panic Mood!"

Publication date: 22 December 2025

In early 2026, the Russian betting market is expecting radical changes: a sharp increase in taxes, a ban on using borrowed funds for betting, and the introduction of a self-exclusion system for players. This will hit operators’ profits and tighten control over gambling, which is likely to trigger market consolidation and the exit of small companies.

The cumulative effect of these measures is a significant reduction in the profitability of bookmaking companies against the backdrop of intensified efforts to combat gambling addiction. As a result, a serious market restructuring is likely: strengthening the positions of major players and the possible exit of less stable, smaller operators.

PR Director of the bookmaker company Leon, Nina Podgornova, speaks to 3S.INFO about the situation and its possible consequences.

– How do you assess the overall mood among bookmakers following the announcement of the new taxes? What expectations are forming within the industry?

Currently, the industry is in a mode of careful study of the new legislative initiatives. There is no panic mood, but everyone understands that it will be necessary to adapt to the new tax conditions. Like the entire industry, we are monitoring the process and preparing to operate under the updated rules.

– How will the new tax conditions complicate operations for legal bookmaking companies? What are the main risks or costs that you see?

The main challenge at this stage is that there is currently no clear understanding of how these new conditions will affect the work of bookmakers. We anticipate various scenarios. However, I would like to emphasize that the key task of Leon betting company is to maintain a high-quality service for its customers. Over many years of operation in the Russian market, BC Leon has established itself as a reliable bookmaker. Therefore, it is important for us to maintain high quality standards in the new economic realities.

Speaking of potential risks, it is worth noting here that the new tax conditions may lead to a reduction in investments in sports. Bookmakers support Russian clubs, federations and competitions at various levels. An increased tax burden could affect a decrease in the volume of these investments. However, it is difficult to say at the moment how high the risk of such a scenario is, as the process of adapting to the new conditions needs to be completed.

– Will legal bookmakers continue to operate under the current conditions, or could the market face a partial exodus of industry players?

Undoubtedly, the new tax conditions will bring changes to the operations of legal bookmakers. The task for every market participant is to make the transition to the new system as smooth as possible. We can say that this is a new challenge for the industry. There is a possibility that some will handle it more successfully than others.

Nevertheless, we are counting on maintaining a stable competitive landscape. Competition is an integral and constructive element of a healthy market, serving as a catalyst for constant development. It is the driver for improving products and services, which works to raise standards across the entire industry, and most importantly, for the benefit of the consumer.

– In your opinion, how will the changes affect the market structure? Is stagnation in the legal segment possible alongside a growing interest in grey operators?

Recently, the bookmaking market has shown good and stable growth. When such a process occurs year after year, it is natural and logical that a slowdown in growth rates may eventually begin. Simply because the majority of the audience interested in sports betting is already covered. This is precisely why bookmakers are constantly devising new mechanics to attract clients.

Given the economic realities, the market may indeed enter a phase of stagnation. This addresses the question of potential risks. Regarding the growing interest in grey operators, it is difficult to comment on other companies.

– From your perspective, how will players react? Will they continue to play with legal bookmakers, or might they start migrating to offshore / illegal services due to the tax burden?

This is more a question for the betting companies. It is necessary to create conditions so that players do not feel the increased tax burden on bookmakers. If this can be achieved, then the risks of migration to illegal services are minimal.

A comprehensive overview of the situation, describing the new laws regulating online betting activities in Russia in 2026, potential consequences and prospects, as well as comments from other market experts, can be found in the article “Betting in Russia: Prospects for 2026” on 3S.INFO.