Russia’s poker club sector has expanded rapidly, with more than 300 venues now operating across the country and estimated annual market turnover exceeding RUB 1bn ($13m), according to the Association of Operators in the Entertainment Industry and Event Tourism (AIRIS).
AIRIS said these venues, referring to them as ‘’sports’’ poker clubs, operate on tournament entry fees rather than on players placing bets against the house. As a result, they fall outside the scope of existing gambling legislation.
According to the association, the market is growing rapidly. There were approximately two dozen such establishments across the country at the end of 2025. By June 2026, their number had surpassed 300. In Moscow alone, there are approximately 80 clubs.
Dmitry Anfinogenov, Executive Director of AIRIS, commented on this trend: "We see a steady trend toward the development of leisure formats that combine social interaction and the opportunity to develop gaming skills. Against the backdrop of digitalisation and the abundance of online options, more and more people are looking for opportunities to meet in person and gain new social experiences."
Artur Voskanyan, head of the Sochi Poker Club, added: "Poker is developing today not only as a game but also as a full-fledged media phenomenon. Broadcasts of major tournaments, streams, themed shows and social media content attract millions of views worldwide.
People come to clubs interested in this culture. In my opinion, it's the combination of a strong community, a competitive element and a large amount of content that gives the format additional impetus for growth."
In short, the growth of Russia’s sports poker club sector is being driven by a combination of community-focused entertainment, the rise of poker as a media phenomenon and growing consumer demand for in-person social experiences.
Total land-based casino revenue in Russia reached RUB 34.1bn for 2025, up 15.2% year on year, while profits fell 17.1% to RUB 4.59bn
