Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has ordered Fonbet TV to stop an outdoor advertising campaign for bookmaker Fonbet after finding that it breached the country's advertising legislation.
The campaign appeared in Moscow during May and June and promoted bookmaking services using the image of a football coach.
Under existing Russian advertising restrictions, bookmaker promotions cannot be distributed through outdoor advertising structures in this manner, while gambling advertising is also restricted from using images of people.
The FAS classified the advertising as improper and issued a binding order requiring its distribution to cease. It will separately consider administrative proceedings against the advertiser and businesses responsible for distributing the material.
The case adds to previous FAS enforcement involving Fonbet's use of individuals in gambling advertising. In 2019, the regulator found that an online Fonbet campaign featuring Russian rapper Timati breached restrictions on the use of images of people and animals in gambling promotions.
The latest decision also arrives during a wider tightening of Russia's regulatory framework for betting advertising. Federal Law No. 41-FZ, signed in February, introduces mandatory warnings stating that participation in gambling can lead to addiction. The requirements take effect on 1 September 2026.
For advertising distributed outside television and radio, the warning must occupy at least 7% of the advertising space.
Online bookmakers will also be required to display information about gambling risks and possible consequences prominently on their websites.
Fonbet nevertheless retains substantial visibility through Russian football. The bookmaker remains the title partner of the Russian Cup, with the Russian Football Union's 2026/27 competition operating as the Fonbet Russian Cup.
The new season began in late July, while the RFU also launched a dedicated stadium project with Kommersant supported by Fonbet.
The advertising decision follows separate international scrutiny of Fonbet's use of football figures. In July, Andrea Pirlo dropped out of contention for the Italy national team coaching position following controversy surrounding his ambassadorial relationship with the Russian operator.
Fonbet's title sponsorship remains attached to the Russian Cup for the 2026/27 season, which began its regional pathway fixtures on 28 July
