Russia is preparing to strengthen its response to illegal online gambling after the Federation Council approved legislation that would significantly shorten the time required to block unauthorised casino websites.
The measure, which has already passed the State Duma, now awaits the approval of President Vladimir Putin before it can take effect. If signed into law, authorities will be able to complete the process of restricting access to illegal online casino platforms within two business days instead of the current five-day period.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the existing framework allows unlawful operators too much time to continue attracting customers after regulators have identified their websites. Lawmakers believe a faster process will improve enforcement efforts and make it more difficult for operators to remain active online.
New Rules Aim to Speed Up Enforcement
The legislation shortens the review period used by the Federal Tax Service (FTS) when it receives reports from the Unified Regulator of Gambling concerning illegal gambling websites.
Alexander Trembitsky, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy, said the change should improve the effectiveness of efforts to block unlawful gaming resources.
Under the current framework, authorities must identify a gambling website and notify the FTS. The agency then requests that the site be added to Russia’s unified register of prohibited websites, maintained by Roskomnadzor. Internet service providers subsequently receive instructions to restrict access.
Supporters of the bill believe removing administrative delays will allow regulators to react more quickly to newly discovered gambling platforms.
Longstanding Restrictions Face Ongoing Challenges
Russia introduced major restrictions on online gambling in 2006, while a Supreme Court ruling in 2012 ordered internet service providers to block illegal and offshore gambling websites.
Despite those measures, regulators continue to face difficulties because operators often launch mirror sites or move users to new domains after blocks are imposed. Officials have acknowledged that these tactics have limited the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures.
The new legislation is intended to reduce the time available for illegal operators to remain active after detection.
Debate Continues Over Legalisation Proposal
While authorities move forward with stricter blocking procedures, a separate discussion continues within government regarding the future of regulated online casinos.
Russia’s Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing a limited number of licensed online casino operators to work under state supervision. Under the proposal, approved operators would pay a 30% tax on annual profits, excluding player payouts.
Supporters believe a regulated market could generate around 100 billion rubles ($1.2 billion) in annual tax revenue while bringing gambling activity under closer oversight. They also argue that the existing prohibition has encouraged players to use offshore platforms.
The proposal remains controversial. Religious leaders from the Russian Orthodox Church have publicly opposed the idea, warning that wider access to online gambling could increase addiction-related harm. Questions have also been raised about how age restrictions and regulatory controls would operate in practice.
For now, Russia appears set to pursue stronger enforcement against illegal operators while continuing to debate whether a tightly controlled legal online casino market should eventually be introduced.
Source:
“Online casinos will be blocked in two days”, pnp.ru, Jun 17, 2026
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