Russia Plans Crackdown on Online Gambling

Russia is preparing to tighten the reins on its online gambling industry amid rising concerns about youth exposure. The government is reportedly developing a multi-agency plan to curb illegal operators and block payment channels—especially crypto—used to circumvent regulations. These efforts aim to address the increasing gamification of digital betting and the ease with which underage users access unlicensed platforms. Operators, affiliates, and financial institutions active in the region should closely monitor the situation as regulatory pressure escalates.

Russia Targets Online Gambling Surge with New Crackdown Including Crypto Ban and Website Blocks

3 Key Points:

1. Russia plans to block gambling apps, websites, and crypto payments to stem illegal market growth.
2. The crackdown focuses on preventing underage gambling, driven by gamified experiences and unregulated access.
3. State bodies Roskomnadzor, Rosfinmonitoring, and the Central Bank will collaborate on enforcement.

The Russian government is preparing a renewed crackdown on online gambling, with a clear focus on restricting access for minors and cutting off cryptocurrency-fueled betting activity. The move comes amid growing public concern over youth exposure to digital gambling and the ease with which unregulated platforms attract users.

Evgeny Masharov, a member of the Russian Civic Chamber, confirmed to state news agency TASS that officials have begun discussing a series of proposed restrictions. These include app blocking, domain blacklisting, and a ban on cryptocurrency transactions related to gambling.

“Gamification has become a trend, with games’ simplicity and convenience attracting new users,” Masharov noted. “Illegal operators exploit this, bypassing age checks and luring underage players.”

A Cross-Agency Offensive

The initiative will unite three key government bodies under a central enforcement strategy:

• Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media watchdog, will target access to unauthorized websites by blocking IPs and domains.

• Rosfinmonitoring, the anti-money laundering authority, will help monitor and intercept suspicious transactions.

• The Central Bank of Russia is exploring the possibility of banning cryptocurrency payments for gambling, citing transparency and enforcement concerns.

While retail sportsbooks operate legally in Russia, online gambling remains tightly restricted. Only sports betting is allowed in the digital space. Casino-style games, poker, and slots are illegal online unless accessed through a licensed land-based casino—of which only a few exist, and only in designated zones like Sochi, Crimea, Primorye, Altai, and Kaliningrad.

A Market of Contradictions

Despite harsh regulatory limits, the Russian online gambling market remains vast and active, largely due to the vacuum left by the exit of international operators following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Major global brands, including bet365, withdrew completely, citing both ethical and compliance-related concerns.

That exit created a significant gap that unlicensed offshore operators were quick to fill. These platforms often offer little to no age verification, accept crypto payments, and feature aggressive gamification tactics—further complicating enforcement efforts and heightening concerns among lawmakers and parents.

Russia’s renewed push to restrict online gambling marks another chapter in its long-standing battle with unregulated operators. By banning cryptocurrency payments, blocking unauthorized websites, and tightening youth protections, authorities hope to reclaim control over a fragmented market. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, particularly as unlicensed platforms continue adapting. With a vast population and limited legal options, Russia remains a complex and high-risk landscape for both regulators and operators.