Deputies of the El Kurultai of the Altai Republic have voted in favour of establishing a new gambling zone in the region, advancing a proposal that now requires approval at the federal level.
During the parliamentary session, 30 deputies supported the initiative, three voted against it and five abstained.
The final decision on the creation of what would become Russia’s sixth designated gambling zone rests with the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Regional governor Andrei Turchak told lawmakers that the project does not envisage the widespread opening of casinos across the republic. Instead, gambling activities would be strictly confined to the all-season Manzherok resort in the Mayminsky District.
According to regional estimates, the facility could generate at least RUB 300m ($3.89m) annually for the local budget, with funds earmarked for social programmes.
The proposal has, however, prompted debate within the region. Some deputies voiced opposition, including Viktor Romashkin, leader of the local Communist Party branch, who cited public discontent and argued that the issue warranted separate consideration.
Reports indicate that around 4,000 signatures were collected in opposition to the plan.
Despite these objections, the majority of deputies approved the measure as part of a broader legislative package.
If endorsed by the State Duma, the Altai Republic would join the limited number of Russian regions permitted to host legal casino operations within specially designated zones.
The development comes amid ongoing national discussions about gambling regulation, including recent proposals at federal level to consider changes to Russia’s approach to online casino oversight.
Casino gambling in Russia is permitted only within specially designated zones, following nationwide restrictions introduced in 2009
