Gambling in Russia: Important Information

Before immersing yourself in the casino atmosphere, it is important to be aware of the gaming laws.

Casino guests must be at least 18 years old. For more information, see the article on the consultant.ru website.

Games of chance in Russia are regulated by Federal Law No. 244, also known as the "State Regulation of Organizing and Holding Games of Chance" law.

Details here: For more details, read the article on consultant.ru.

Key legal points:

• Casino gaming and betting in the Russian Federation are allowed exclusively in designated gaming zones. Russia has five such zones, each of which holds a license to operate. The Krasnaya Polyana Gaming Zone is an officially authorized gaming zone.

Consequences: Illegal casinos are shut down, and their patrons are considered to be involved in illegal activities, which incurs administrative liability.

• Prohibition of online casinos and online betting.

Any sites in Russia offering roulette, slot machines, card games, or sports betting online are illegal unless they are based in and licensed by Russian gaming zones that officially use their infrastructure.

Consequences: The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation (Roskomnadzor) blocks access to such sites and holds their organizers criminally liable. At best, players are fined 1,000 rubles; at worst, they risk losing their funds. Illegal operators do not guarantee safe payouts or the protection of your personal data.

In summary, casinos and slot machines are only legal in the five designated zones. Everything else is illegal.

• Sports bets may only be placed with bookmakers licensed by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation via their official websites or apps, or at their betting offices.
• Online casinos are completely prohibited in the Russian Federation. Websites offering such games operate illegally and playing there is risky and illegal.

Violations of these rules, such as organizing games or playing outside the designated areas, incur fines. Organizers are also subject to criminal liability.