Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law approving the creation of another official gambling zone in Russia, as the Kremlin increasingly turns towards regulated gambling projects to support regional economies and raise additional tax revenues.
The new gambling territory will be established in the Altai Republic, a mountainous region known for tourism, skiing and outdoor travel. Authorities are expected to closely link the project with the Manzherok Ski Resort, highlighting the government’s wider plan to position gambling as part of a tourism and hospitality strategy rather than a mass domestic entertainment market.
Russia banned most gambling activities in 2009 after authorities raised concerns over addiction, organised crime and social harm linked to casinos operating across major cities. However, in recent years, the government reopened the sector through a system of tightly controlled gambling zones located in remote or resort-style regions.
Expanding land-based venues
The latest project will become Russia’s sixth official gambling zone. Existing casinos are already operating in regions such as Crimea, Sochi, Primorye and Kaliningrad. Many of them were deliberately placed far from densely populated urban areas and designed to attract tourists and foreign visitors.
Interestingly, the Altai region already holds historical importance in Russia’s gambling industry. The country’s first officially designated gambling zone was approved there in 2007, although construction and development reportedly moved slowly, and the project was not fully operational until 2014. The newest approval marks the second gambling zone inside the wider Altai area.
Russian officials reportedly expect the new development to generate around 300 million rubles ($4 million) in tax income. Authorities also believe it could create fresh business opportunities for hotels, restaurants and tourism operators in the region, particularly as visitor traffic to Russian gambling zones has increased in recent years.
Online gambling debate grows
The move also shows a noticeable shift in the Kremlin’s attitude towards gambling. Putin has repeatedly criticised the industry in the past and previously described gambling as harmful to society. But now, he appears willing to treat regulated gambling as an economic instrument amid growing fiscal pressure.
Some of Russia’s existing gambling regions have already produced major tax revenues. According to local reports, casinos in Sochi alone generated roughly 765 million rubles ($9.5 million) in tax contributions, strengthening arguments inside government circles for further expansion.
At the same time, Russian authorities are also discussing the legalisation of online casinos. Officials are reportedly considering introducing a regulated online gambling market, with licenced operators potentially launching services very soon.
Officials within the Finance Ministry and Treasury are reportedly looking at online gambling as a potential new revenue source, especially as income from Russia’s crucial oil and gas exports has fallen significantly since the Ukraine conflict began.
Under the plan currently being discussed, online casino operators would only be allowed to work legally if they secure official Russian licences. Authorities are also weighing a hefty 30 per cent tax on operator profits, though player winnings would not be included in that calculation. According to early government projections, a regulated online gambling market could eventually generate nearly 100 billion rubles ($1.3 billion) annually.
Although Russia prohibited online casinos back in 2009, offshore operators have continued targeting Russian players through mirror websites and duplicate servers, making enforcement increasingly difficult. However, the online casino proposal must still pass through several legislative stages, including multiple readings in parliament and final presidential approval, before it can officially become law.
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