Russian Finance Ministry asks Putin to legalise iGaming

Summary

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has reportedly asked President Vladimir Putin to legalise online casinos in Russia under a single-operator model. The proposal would require the operator to remit at least 30% of revenue after winnings to the federal government and is projected to add about 100 billion roubles (around US$1.3bn) per year to the budget.

Supporters argue legalisation would curb the large underground market and offer better player protections. Critics view the move as a way to offset huge war-related costs — estimates put Russia’s expenditure on the conflict at tens of trillions of roubles since 2022. Russia currently allows land-based casinos only in a few special economic zones, while online gambling has been banned since 2009; however, illicit online turnover is reported to be about 3 trillion roubles annually.

The plan has raised additional alarm because reports suggest the government may extend online gambling into temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with Ukrainian resistance sources calling this a coercive tool to finance the occupation and exploit local populations.

Key Points

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has proposed legalising online casinos under a single-operator framework.
The operator would reportedly remit at least 30% of revenue after winnings to the state, potentially raising ~100 billion roubles/year.
Proponents say legalisation could suppress illegal platforms (estimated ~100 illicit sites) and improve player safeguards.
Critics warn the move could be aimed at funding the war in Ukraine and harm vulnerable groups if state control is weak.
Russia currently permits land-based casinos only in special zones; online gambling has been banned since 2009 despite large underground turnover.
Reports claim the scheme may be expanded to temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, prompting accusations of exploitation and forced participation.

Why should I read this?

Short and blunt: this isn’t just a gambling story. It’s a potential policy U-turn that ties the gaming industry to national finances — and possibly to the war in Ukraine. If you work in gaming, regulation, compliance or regional risk, this could change market access, sanctions exposure and public perception overnight. Worth five minutes of your time.

Author note

Punchy takeaway: a single-operator online market that hands over a big slice of revenue to the state is a major shift. It’s framed as harm reduction and market control, but the geopolitical and social risks are significant. Read the full detail if you need to assess business, legal or reputational impacts.