Russia to explore regulated online gambling market after long-standing ban
Summary
More than 15 years after banning online gambling, Russia is weighing a policy U-turn that would permit regulated digital wagering under strict state control. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has reportedly asked President Vladimir Putin to consider a plan to legalise online gambling through a single authorised operator that would pay at least 30% of revenue after winnings to the state each month. The Finance Ministry says the model could yield around ₽100 billion annually for the federal budget.
The proposal favours a centralised, single-operator structure rather than open licensing. Supporters argue it would channel illegal activity into a regulated system and enable player protection measures. Opponents warn legalisation could increase harm for vulnerable groups if state control is insufficient. Online gambling has been illegal in Russia since 2009, yet estimates suggest an underground online market with roughly ₽3 trillion in annual turnover and about 100 illicit platforms currently operating. No changes to the existing land-based casino framework have been announced; those remain confined to designated zones.
Key Points
- Russia is considering legalising online gambling for the first time since the 2009 ban via a centrally controlled model.
- The plan proposes a single authorised operator, remitting at least 30% of revenue after winnings to the state monthly.
- The Finance Ministry projects roughly ₽100 billion per year in additional federal revenue under the proposal.
- Russia’s legal land-based sector is estimated at about ₽1.7 trillion annually, while the illicit online market is estimated around ₽3 trillion.
- Supporters say regulation could curb illegal platforms and introduce player-protection measures; critics warn of increased exposure for low-income and elderly players.
- The discussion occurs amid heavy public spending related to the war in Ukraine, increasing pressure on state finances.
- Any change would mark a significant policy shift, placing digital wagering under central state oversight rather than an open licensing regime.
Why should I read this?
Short version: this could reshape a huge shadow market and shove billions into the state coffers. If you work in iGaming, payments, compliance or track Russian policy, this is worth your two-minute attention — big money, a centralised operator model and fresh regulatory risks/opportunities. We’ve read the detail so you don’t have to.