The Association of Entertainment Industry and Event Tourism Operators (AIRIS) has begun filming a documentary examining Russia’s modern gambling zones and their role in regional tourism and economic development.
Filming is taking place across four regions: Kaliningrad Region, Sochi, Altai Krai and Primorsky Krai. According to AIRIS, the documentary will look beyond casino operations to explore the wider infrastructure and industries developing around the gambling zones.
The film will cover areas including hotels, tourism, events, hospitality, workforce training and new entertainment formats.
Representatives from government authorities and regional development institutions will also participate in the documentary. They are expected to discuss cooperation with the gambling industry and the role of gambling zones in developing tourism and economic infrastructure.
AIRIS Executive Director Dmitry Anfinogenov stated: "It is important for us to show the modern gambling industry not through a set of formal characteristics, but through the people and territories that together shape its current face. Therefore, we film not only casinos but also the work processes, events and life in the regions surrounding the gambling zones.
"The participation of industry and government representatives will allow us to look at this process from different perspectives and see how the industry is changing today. I would like to especially thank the regional tourism ministries and their leaders for their support of the project, their participation, and assistance in organizing the filming.’’
AIRIS plans to premiere the documentary in November 2026 in Sochi during its Annual Gambling Summit. The event brings together gambling industry executives, government officials, tourism businesses and other market participants.
According to local media, total land-based casino revenue reached RUB 34.1bn ($464m) for 2025, up 15.2% year-on-year. Nevertheless, total profit earned by operators fell to RUB 4.59bn, a 17.1% decrease from 2024.
While tourist traffic to the gambling zones remained steady, casino expenses rose. Last year 1.75 million people visited gambling zones, an increase from the 1.68 million the year before.
Currently, four legal gambling zones operate in Russia: Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi, Sibirskaya Moneta in Altai, Yantarnaya in the Kaliningrad Region and Primorye in Primorsky Krai.
There is a fifth zone under construction in Crimea. The creation of a sixth zone in Altai has been approved at the federal level and signed by President Putin.
Global Gaming Insider also recently launched two series covering the gambling industry.
One of them, the documentary How to Win the World Cup, was released ahead of the tournament and explored the evolution of sports betting and live betting technology.
The second series, Mariya Meets, features conversations with senior industry professionals about their careers, workplace experiences and insights.
The decline in Russian consumption is negatively affecting domestic tourism sales in gambling zones
