Push for a New Gambling Zone in Russia’s Capital
Limited Gambling Areas Across Russia
Gambling activities in Russia are confined to very few designated zones. At present, casinos are legally allowed to operate in only four specific regions throughout the country.
The Existing Gambling Zones
The four established gambling zones in Russia are Siberian Coin located in the Altai Republic, Yantarnaya situated in Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnaya Polyana, and Primorie based in Artyom within Primorsky Krai. Each zone is geographically distinct and serves as a hub for gambling within its region.
Proposals for Expansion: A New Zone in Moscow
The Association of Gambling Industry Professionals (ADIB) has initiated a campaign advocating for the creation of a fifth gambling zone in Moscow. This proposal comes as an alternative to the ongoing legislative efforts focused on establishing a second gambling zone within the Altai region.
ADIB argues that shifting attention from expanding the Altai region to developing a gambling zone in the capital could unlock new opportunities, including boosting tourism and attracting visitors from neighboring countries such as China.
Current Performance of Gambling Zones
According to Igor Ballo, ADIB’s president, the existing zones have underperformed and show significant room for improvement. Despite their challenges, these zones have contributed to regional development by drawing tourists and supporting local infrastructure enhancements.
Krasnaya Polyana has led in visitor numbers this summer with approximately 242,000 tourists, followed by Yantarnaya in Kaliningrad. Beyond tourism, these zones have also generated notable revenue for the government, contributing over RUB 1.5 billion in tax income during the first half of the year.
Challenges with Illegal Gambling
Illegal gambling remains a growing concern across Russia, with the number of unauthorized gambling venues reportedly tripling compared to 2022. In the first six months of 2025 alone, nearly 200 illicit establishments were shut down by authorities.
The tax revenue lost due to illegal gambling activities in 2024 is estimated to exceed RUB 15.5 billion — a figure six times higher than what legal casinos contributed.
Legal operators face restrictions on advertising, which hampers efforts to promote responsible gambling and inadvertently facilitates the rise of illegal venues.
There is also widespread misunderstanding about online gambling among the public; despite popular belief, online gambling remains prohibited under Russian law.
