Russia intends to restart combating internet-based gambling activities.
Let's talk about the potential crackdown on online gambling in Russia
It's been rumored that the Russian government is thinking about tightening its grip on online gambling, and here's what we know so far. The discussion revolves around blocking gambling apps and websites, as well as limiting cryptocurrency-based payments.
Evgeny Masharov, a Russian Civic Chamber member, spoke about these concerns with state news agency TASS. The primary focus is to protect minors from the digital gambling world, especially as gamified products become increasingly popular amongst the kids.
Masharov pointed out that the trend of gamification has made games more accessible and appealing, giving unlicensed operators an advantage over the struggling legal betting market. These shady operators bypass ID and age verification checks.
A new commission has been established to enhance cooperation between key government bodies. This includes Roskomnadzor, the media watchdog that can block IPs, Rosfinmonitoring, the anti-money laundering agency, and the Central Bank, which is considering a ban on crypto-based gambling payments.
Despite the limitations, Russia permits retail betting shops, but land-based casinos are restricted to specific regions such as Altai, Kaliningrad, Primorye, Sochi, and Crimea. Online gambling is currently restricted to sports betting.
International operators like bet365 have exit Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing sanctions have made the market less appealing to regulated brands. Yet, the market's size and the lack of legal competition continue to attract unlicensed operators.
It's essential to keep an eye on any upcoming updates about these stricter measures and how they may impact the online gambling landscape in Russia. Stay tuned for more details!
- Evgeny Masharov, a Russian Civic Chamber member, emphasized the concerns about the growing online gambling trends, highlighting the accessibility and appeal of gamified products.
- The Russian government is considering sanctions against unlicensed operators, with plans to block gambling apps, websites, and limit cryptocurrency-based payments.
- Roskomnadzor, the media watchdog, Rosfinmonitoring, the anti-money laundering agency, and the Central Bank are collaborating in a new commission to enforce these potential regulations.
- In the discussions surrounding online gambling, the protection of minors from digital gambling is a primary focus, as shady operators bypass ID and age verification checks.
- Despite ongoing sanctions and the departure of regulated brands like bet365, the market's size and lack of legal competition continue to attract unlicensed operators, underscoring the need for stricter measures in the online gambling landscape of Russia.
