Russian sports betting history
Russian sports betting has a long history with many legal changes. The Russian Federation's community of sports betting enthusiasts love to gamble on sport, though bettors face increasing taxation in land-based sportsbooks. In the online sports betting market, Russian gamblers find it harder to locate reputable Internet sportsbooks.
This guide to Russian sports betting offers a complete analysis of Russian gaming laws, both for online and land-based sportsbooks. Reading this article, you'll learn about the history of sports betting in the Russian Federation, along with the rapidly evolving legality of sports betting in Russia. I'll provide resources for researching the best sportsbooks that accept Russian bettors, while also recommending a few online sportsbooks you should consider.
Legal and offshore betting companies: what is the difference?
Today there are legal and offshore betting companies in the market. The first ones hold the Russian online betting license and adhere to all requirements set to conduct the activity. They pay state taxes, officially employ staff, submit reports, open accounts at Russian banks, work with sports federations and leagues, etc. Their operations are legal on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Betting companies that work illegally usually hold licenses of offshore areas - in Malta, Gibraltar, Costa Rica, Curacao, and other jurisdictions. For this reason, they are called offshore. Organizations that obtain such licenses orient towards the global market rather than one country.
The online operation of offshore bookmakers is forbidden and considered illegal in Russia. These websites are blocked and their organizers may be subject to criminal or administrative actions.
The Russian Federation started to restrict access to such websites in 2016. Within six months, Roskomnadzor blocked over 20,000 betting-themed websites and betting operators. 토토 Besides, websites that advertised betting fell under regulations.
Interactive bets and land-based betting shops
In Russia, bets are accepted at land-based betting offices and online.
According to the Federal Law "About state regulation of activities on organization and conduct of gambling and about the introduction of amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation", an interactive bet is money including electronic funds that the IBAC transfers to the betting office on behalf of gamblers using electronic payment methods.
Players can also place bets at land-based betting shops, a detached area of the gambling facility, where the bookmaker accepts bets from players.