Wondering how Russia became one of the world’s largest gambling markets—despite strict laws? In 2025, Russian gambling laws remain complex. Casinos and slots are restricted to five zones, while lotteries and sports betting thrive under tight regulation. If you’re operating or investing in gambling or simply betting legally in Russia, you need to understand the permitted zones, taxes, penalties, and exemptions. Read on for a complete breakdown of Russia’s legal gambling structure—updated for 2025.

Gambling in Russia 2025: Legal Zones, Taxes, and Online Betting Rules Explained

3 Key Points:

1. Casinos and EGMs are legal only in five zones: Sochi, Kaliningrad, Altai, Primorye, and Crimea.
2. Online gambling remains illegal, except for licensed Russian sportsbook operators.
3. Gambling taxes are regionally set, with rising rates post-2019 to boost state revenue.

Russia’s Gambling Landscape in 2025: An Overview

Russia’s gambling laws reflect a tightly controlled yet paradoxically expansive market. Casino-style gaming is banned outside five “special zones,” while lotteries and sports betting enjoy nationwide legality under state supervision.

The Core Legal Framework

Federal Law No. 244-FZ, introduced in 2006 and amended in 2009, dictates the legality of all gambling operations. It centralizes control over location, licensing, and operations.
This law was complemented by Federal Law No. 142-FZ, which restructured tax collection to reduce evasion and increase federal oversight.

Russia’s Five Legal Gambling Zones

1. Sochi (Krasnaya Polyana)

A top-tier tourist destination featuring Sochi Casino & Resort, with over 70 table games and 500+ slots. It boosts employment and regional tourism.

2. Primorye (Artyom-Vladivostok)

Home to Tigre de Cristal, Russia’s largest casino, partially owned by Hong Kong investors. Planned to include 11 casinos and luxury resorts.

3. Kaliningrad (Yantarnaya)

Western Russia’s main gambling site, featuring Sobranie Casino—a massive entertainment complex on the Baltic coast.

4. Altai Republic (Siberian Coin)

Altai Palace Casino is the zone’s first resort. Expansion plans include ₽3.5 billion in new investments by 2024.

5. Crimea (Golden Coast)

Newly legalized in 2019, Crimea is still developing its infrastructure. Political disputes have slowed construction.

Legal Gambling Activities Outside the Zones

Lotteries

Stoloto operates the national lottery, with ticket sales contributing over ₽17.6 billion to sports and culture.

Sports Betting

Legal both online and offline. Bookmakers require licensing from the Federal Tax Service and contribute 5% of GGR to sports.

Online Gambling and the Grey Market

Online casinos remain banned in Russia. However, online sportsbooks with Russian licenses are legal.
The grey market thrives due to offshore sites, though the government imposes heavy penalties and blocks illegal domains.

Gambling Taxation in Russia

Tax rates vary by region and gambling form. Here’s a quick view of post-2019 rates:

All legal operators contribute to regional and federal budgets, while illegal operators risk imprisonment and multimillion-ruble fines.

Russia’s Gambling Sector by the Numbers

• Ranked #14 globally in total GGR with $4 billion
• Over ₽879 billion in sports betting revenue (2022)
• 40% of bookmaking estimated to remain underground
• Legal gambling age: 18 for all forms

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Advertising is tightly regulated and banned outside legal zones. Gambling ads must follow strict timing and content guidelines.

Historical Context and Regulation Purpose

Gambling thrived in 1990s Russia, but the boom triggered social issues and organized crime. Federal Law 244-FZ responded by restructuring the industry, targeting illegal operators and ensuring public safety, especially among youth.

The Effect of the Ukraine War

The conflict disrupted foreign investment in Russian gambling and led Ukraine to cancel licenses held by Russian nationals. Nevertheless, domestic sectors—especially lotteries and sportsbooks—remain robust.

Conclusion: Russia’s Unique Approach to Gambling in 2025

Russia blends strict control with market viability. Despite online restrictions, sports betting and state lotteries thrive. Designated zones, international investment, and purposeful regulation drive growth while minimizing social harm.

As 2024 unfolds, Russia remains a paradox in the global gambling scene—restrictive yet powerful. Whether you’re a player, operator, or investor, knowing the rules can make all the difference.