Russia, October 9, 2026. Russia’s Ministry of Finance has reopened discussions on legalizing online casinos to combat an underground gambling market estimated at 3 trillion rubles annually (US$35.1 billion). Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov warned that the existing ban allows illegal platforms to operate without tax oversight or consumer protection.
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During the Fourth Russian Gambling Forum, held on October 1–2 in Moscow, Chebeskov outlined two alternatives: maintaining the ban while strengthening enforcement and website blocking or bringing digital casinos into the regulated market. The legal betting industry generates approximately 100 billion rubles annually (US$1.17 billion) in taxes and contributions to sports development.
Mikhail Mishustin
The initiative revisits a proposal submitted on January 27 by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to President Vladimir Putin, calling for a single authorized operator appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the government led by Mikhail Mishustin. The proposed framework includes a minimum monthly tax of 30% on revenue after prize payouts, with potential annual tax revenue reaching 100 billion rubles.
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Daniil Egorov
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The proposed system would process bets through the Unified Betting Transfer Accounting Center, under the supervision of the Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI). It would establish a minimum gambling age of 21 and restrictions on payments and illegal platforms, involving the Central Bank and federal authorities.
Currently, Federal Law 244-FZ of December 29, 2006, prohibits online casinos while allowing authorized digital sports betting. The Federal Tax Service, headed by Daniil Egorov, participates in overseeing the regulated industry. According to Blask, licensed bookmaker Fonbet leads the market rankings, followed by unregulated platforms 1Win and Dragon Money. Industry representatives reported a decline of approximately 500,000 bettors and 100,000 active players, linked to advertising restrictions, tax pressure, and migration toward illegal gambling websites.
Meanwhile, Russia has enforced the voluntary gambling self-exclusion mechanism established under Federal Law 575-FZ since September 1, with more than 60,000 citizens already using the system. Online casino legalization remains without presidential approval or a confirmed legislative timetable.
