Betting in Russia

There is much curiosity with regards to Russia’s Casinos and sportsbooks. For many years, Russian citizens were banned from all types of betting, and the same applied to gambling activities between friends. However, in the 1980s, the laws were changed meaning that Russia now enjoys a successful gambling industry.

Russia is the largest country in the world. The nation boasts a strong sporting profile and this is also reflected by the keen interest in betting.

Football attracts the most gambling interest in Russia, especially in Moscow, where many high-profile football teams are based, such as Lokomotiv and Spartak. The national Sports Lottery accepts football bets and also offers pari-mutual betting with jackpot prizes. The Olympic Games was hosted by Moscow in 1980, and was financially assisted by the Russian Sports Lottery. The event had a positive effect on the country’s economy.

There are lots of licensed gambling venues to be found throughout Russia, where punters can place bets on an array of different sports including the nation’s number one sport, football.

A gambling company known as Fonbet (founded 1994) has become the most prevalent and well-renowned gambling company in the whole of Russia. Punters favour Fonbet because of the variety of wagering options is has to offer, including internet betting opportunities. However, Russian bettors do still frequent off-shore sportsbooks, of which there are many available, with some even offering information in the Russian language.

Russia’s sports gambling industry enjoys a liberated existence. However, in 2006, the government decided to move all of the casinos out of the cities and establish new specialized gambling areas. The idea being that by relocating the casinos, cities would not become overshadowed by them, and social gambling issues would be less of a threat. The move did disgruntle a few of businessmen, but the Russian citizens in general, were happy about the project.

The Russians have proven that a well-managed and orderly gambling industry can be extremely beneficial for the economy in terms of revenue, and on a social level. In addition, the casino relocations have effectively reduced social gambling issues within the countries major towns and cities, with the gambling focus now being on the designated casino areas and tourism. The Russian government are of the opinion that the move was the best way to benefit the people without prohibiting the casino industry.