The Russian Ministry of Finance, along with the gambling regulator ERAI, is considering two fundamentally different approaches to regulating online casinos. To legalise or to tighten restrictions further? That is the question.
According to Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov, the illegal online casino market is comparable in scope to the legal bookmaking sector.
He noted that, similar to approaches in other jurisdictions globally, Russia has a choice: legalise and tax, or strengthen prohibition and step up enforcement.
The Ministry of Finance and the ERAI will have to determine which approach is best for Russia.
Earlier in 2026, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov already proposed legalising online slots. Expectations were that this process could have begun in spring or summer 2026; however, it did not materialise.
Back in January, Siluanov estimated that a regulated online casino sector taxed at a minimum monthly rate of 30% on gross revenue could yield about RUB 100bn per year for the federal budget.
His proposal outlined creating a unified digital system to track online wagers, mirroring mechanisms already used for legal bookmakers and totalizators. A single regulator would oversee compliance, consumer protections, and efforts to mitigate gambling addiction.
Other government agencies would be expected to intensify the blocking of illegal operators, which have proliferated despite the ban.
This comes as Russia has recently introduced or proposed a range of responsible gambling measures. Global Gaming Insider analysed how Russian authorities are increasingly recognising the complex and multifaceted nature of gambling addiction.
Russia is preparing new legislation targeting casino streamers and influencers who illegaly promote gambling
