The law on gambling in Russia, adopted back in 2009, prohibits casinos and gambling halls. They operate only in special zones. With online casinos everything is not so unambiguous: the sites are also prohibited, but at the same time operate on the Internet. This article reviews the current Russian legislation and regulations governing the industry.
- Whether gambling is allowed in Russia
- What laws regulate the gaming industry
- Summary of the law on gambling
- Business taxation
- Penalties for illegal activities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Whether gambling is allowed in Russia
Bookmakers and totalizators are allowed to operate in Russia, but real and internet casinos are prohibited. The exception is special gambling zones:
- “Primorye”
- “Krasnaya Polyana”
- “Siberian Coin”
- “Yantarnaya”.
In 2014, the President signed a document on the creation of such places in Crimea.
Despite the ban, many establishments with machines operate under the guise of lottery clubs or internet cafes. Since the introduction of restrictions, the number of underground establishments has increased.
Online casinos in Russia are also banned at the legislative level. But operators obtain licenses in other jurisdictions and continue to operate. Users playing online are not responsible for this and formally do not violate anything.
What laws regulate the gaming industry
The work of gambling institutions in the Russian Federation is regulated by the following regulations:
- FEDERAL LAW NO. 244. The document defines the basis of state regulation of the organization and conduct of gambling events and provides for restrictions. The law on casinos and gambling business was adopted in 2006, but until July 1, 2009 clubs in special zones could operate without permits.
- Article 171.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Defines responsibility for the illegal organization and conduct of gambling entertainment.
- In 2020, the State Duma introduced a project on out-of-court blocking of sites with the help of which players replenish their balances in machines and lotteries. As part of the legislation, the Federal Tax Service adds the creators of such sites to the list of offenders.
Now they are also included in the list of persons whose transfers of funds to accounts are prohibited.
Summary of the law on gambling
The essence of the document is the prohibition of casinos throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. Exception – special places. Outside these territories, only betting offices are allowed to work. Also prohibited are slot machines on the Internet.
Regulatory measures:
- Establishment of the procedure for the work of operators and requirements for them. This applies to organizers of entertainment, gambling sites.
- Allocation of special territories intended for conducting games.
- Issuing permits (licenses) for casinos, totalizators.
- Identification of persons conducting activities illegally or in violation of the rules and taking necessary measures.
The regulatory act on slot machines provides for restrictions on the size of assets for legal entities that are organizers of casinos, bookmaker’s offices, totalizators. The prohibitions do not apply to lotteries.
Business taxation
The tax associated with gambling entertainment is a regional tax. Proceeds go to the budget of the subjects of the country.
The list of taxation objects can be found in Article 366 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation
The list of taxation objects can be found in Article 366 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.
Taxpayers – companies that organize activities in the gambling sphere. These can only be legal entities. Tax deductions are as follows.
| Object of taxation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Gaming table | From 25,000 to 125,000 rubles |
| Apparatus in the hall | From 1500 to 7500 rubles |
| Processing center | From 25,000 to 125,000 rubles |
| Betting Reception Center | From 5000 to 7000 rubles |
To calculate the tax, the base for each object is multiplied by the rate provided for it. Payment is made no later than the 20th day of each subsequent month.
Penalties for illegal activities
The legislation of the Russian Federation provides for liability for illegal organization of activities. Administrative measures apply only to legal entities. Organizing activities outside permit zones is punishable by fines from 700 thousand to 1 million rubles and confiscation of equipment.
Administrative penalties are provided for activities without a special license. The fine is up to 1 million rubles. If the institution has a license, but the games are not conducted according to the rules, the legal entity pays 300 to 500 thousand. In case of gross violations, the amount is up to 1 million rubles. It is possible to suspend the operation of an establishment for up to 90 days.
An individual who illegally obtained income of more than 1.5 million rubles is also liable. These are fines, compulsory labor, restriction or even imprisonment.
Synternet gambling sites obtain authorization documents in other countries. Despite the new bans, the law cannot affect them. Foreign sites operate in the Russian Federation, there is no formal violation here. Blocking is possible, but they circumvent these restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law in 2025 does not include responsibility for the participation of a person in such entertainment. The user does not violate anything, so there is no punishment.
There are no such prospects.
Visitors from 18 years of age are allowed to join them.
The rate is 13%.
There are administrative and criminal penalties, including fines.