Professionals in Russia’s Gambling Industry Pushing For New Gambling Zone

In Russia, the areas where one is permitted to gamble are exceptionally few.

The only 4 zones in the country where it’s allowed for casinos to function are each located in a different region.

They are as follows: Siberian Coin in Altai Republic, Yantarnaya in Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnaya Polyana, and Primorie in Artyom in Primorsky Krai.

Recently, the Association of Gambling Industry Professionals (ADIB) has begun to push for a fifth zone located in Moscow.

Currently, a bill meant to be used for the creation of a second gambling zone in the  Altai region is in the works.

This association has been trying to change lawmakers’ focus from giving the Altai Region another gambling zone and instead creating a gambling zone in Moscow.

Another Show at Profit

The ADIB President, Igor Ballo, has stated that he believes the current 4 gambling zones are: “Performing very poorly.”

By creating a gambling zone in Moscow, the association has hopes of attracting Chinese tourists.

The Gambling Zones

This year, these zones have continued to expand.

The zones have brought numerous tourists to their respective regions.

Development of infrastructure in these areas has made them extremely appealing for all, no matter whether they be tourists, businesses, or families.

“Krasnaya Polyana” has taken the lead over the others in terms of visitors this summer, with a whopping 242,000 people, followed by the zone located in Kaliningrad, “Yantarnaya.”

This year, the zones have also contributed immensely to the country’s tax revenue, as over RUB 1.5 billion has been paid in the first half of the year.

Constant Regulations

Ever-expanding illegal gambling dens flood Russia.

Reports indicate that the number of locations where one can gamble illegally in Russia has become three times what they used to be in 2022.

Just in the first half of 2025, nearly 200 illegal establishments have been shut down.

The amount of money believed to have been lost in taxes in 2024 has been valued at a little over RUB 15.5 billion, six times what casinos paid in taxes.

Legal casinos have been unable to educate the people on how to be responsible when gambling, as they are not permitted by law to advertise.

This has inadvertently allowed the growth of illegal establishments.

Many in Russia believe that online gambling is legal; however, to this day, it is still prohibited by law.