Russian Gaming Laws Become More Restricting

In Russia gambling has been banned since March 2025, with casino gaming being limited to a restricted areas, but this was only the beginning. Now the authorities are continuing their limitations of illegal gambling beyond land-based casinos to the world online.

Ivan Savvidi, a Moscow legislator, is trying to have the definition of 'slot machines' cover the virtual games as well. He is trying to ensure that online player to eligible for a fine if caught playing. He stated "Previously the law only concerned organizers of gambling, and now the gamblers themselves will also be responsible".

Savvidi's bill includes fines which players, not only organizers of gambling, can receive. These fines are from 500 rubles (US$16) to 2000 rubles (US$64). Attorney Irina Tulubyeva said these fines should act as a discouragement to players unlike the previous laws which focused on the providers, ""If the gamblers know that they will pay a fine, there will be fewer of those willing to play".

Since the ban of last year, there has been a fourfold increase in the number of legal "computer clubs" in Moscow. Many of the members of these clubs can access online gaming through their servers. This allows them to play various casino classics such as poker, blackjack, craps and slots, under the clubs' rules.

In current "lottery clubs" in Moscow and other large Russian cities, slot machines accept bills rather than the forbidden coin operated machines, making them exempt from current gambling restrictions. Savvidi's bill would ensure that this loophole no longer exists, forbidding slot machines of all kinds.