Now

Russia Has Shut Down 61,000 Illegal Casinos Since Gambling Ban

Russia Has Shut Down 61,000 Illegal Casinos Since Gambling Ban
30 January 2014, 14:17

 Russian police have uncovered and closed down more than 61,000 underground gambling establishments since gaming became illegal in the country in 2009, the Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement Wednesday.

The owners of underground gambling parlors have been fined a total of 602 million rubles ($17.1 million), and police have confiscated over 796,000 slot machines and other gaming equipment, the statement said.

According to police, the 2009 law confining gambling to four remote Russian regions has caused the number of illegal casinos and other gambling establishments to skyrocket and created greater opportunities for corruption.

Many gambling dens operate under the guise of Internet clubs or bingo halls.

Calendar

Upcoming industry events

SPARK

SPARK

19 October 2026 - 20 October 2026 Sofia, Bulgaria

To be announced

SiGMA World

SiGMA World

2 November 2026 - 5 November 2026 Rome, Italy

Fiera Roma, Rome, Italy

Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE)

Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE)

25 November 2026 - 26 November 2026 Sofia, Bulgaria

Inter Expo Center

Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS)

Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS)

25 November 2026 - 26 November 2026 Sofia, Bulgaria

Inter Expo Center

ICE Barcelona

ICE Barcelona

18 January 2027 - 20 January 2027 Barcelona, Spain

Fira Barcelona Gran Via