Russian online casinos for Real Money
Thrive with Crypto!
BitcoinGames.com
"No.1 High Roller Casino"
Rollers Casino
"For Kings & Queens"
Kingdom Casino
"Best Crypto Casino"
Bitcoin Casino
Russia Casino Guide
Getting Started
Russia is not a country known for its open-door gambling policy. Nonetheless, it is still possible to gamble in the Russian Federation under specific rules. For Russians eager to gamble online, it is all about understanding what the law says and where and when you can bet. This may initially seem confusing, but we’ve put together the ideal guide to help you get started.
Join us as we walk you through the ins and outs of betting in Russia. Let’s begin by exploring the gambling laws (as they currently stand) in the country. Here’s what you need to know:
Russia’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Russia’s gambling laws date back to 2006, with the current bill being Federal Law N 244-FZ. What this law states is that gambling is illegal in Russia, save for a few specific locations and options. All casinos active in 2009 were closed unless they were based in one of the four (now five) regions permitted under the gambling act. These regions include Yantarnaya, Krasnaya Polyana, Siberia Coin, Primorskiy Kray, and most recently, in Crimea. However, Crimea is disputed, and there are not currently any venues active in the annexed territory.
In 2006, Russia moved to ban online gambling. Furthermore, in 2015, Roskomnadzor started to blacklist online casinos and gambling sites. However, as many Russians simply decided to use VPNs to access offshore sites and play at cryptocurrency casinos, the authorities changed their tune. The U-turn (in 2016 under Federal Law No. 244) makes it legal to gamble at sites licensed by Russia.
Russia’s state-owned lottery has its own website (both for lottery games and bingo) and is subject to different rules than the rest of the betting industry. It is also worth noting that Russians who continue to play at offshore (unlicensed) sites are fined. Russia has decided to attempt to fine offshore operators who cater to Russians, but naturally, this is near-impossible to do. As of 2022, with the war against Ukraine, Russian authorities have blocked all financial transactions to offshore betting sites, leaving many Russians turning to crypto-friendly casinos to bet.
Who Regulates and Licenses Russian Casino Sites?
The Russian Ministry of Finance has the final say over licenses in the Russian Federation. Land-based gambling licenses can be awarded to operators if they are a legal entity in Russia, have at least €7 million in the bank, and have at least eighty (brand-new) slot machines and games. They must, of course, also be based in one of the five recognised gambling zones.
Online gambling licenses are issued by the Federal Tax Service, not the Ministry of Finance. Technically, operators can only obtain a sports betting or tote license, not one for casino games. They will also need over €17 million in the bank. Curiously, each site must be self-regulatory, which is never a good thing, as it ensures that each Russian betting site has different levels of regulation, some far laxer than others.
The regulation and licensing procedures in Russia are quite messy. As a result of this (and other rather obvious reasons), many of the world’s mainstream operators have chosen to stay out of this market. Rather than risk potential fines, they tend to cut off Russian players entirely.
Russia’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Russian players are inclined to wager on sports betting and online casino games above all other forms of gambling options. Slots are popular in Russia, as are table games, particularly those relating to cards. A handful of Russian language live dealer games can also be played at the best Russian betting sites.
It is worth noting that precious few software providers (of any real renown) are based in Russia. Instead, Russian sites tend to feature software from offshore casino software providers. Some sites feature relatively mid-ranking developers’ games, while others opt for the major names in the industry, such as Playtech and NetEnt. However, given the self-regulation rules in the Russian gambling sphere, it is not immediately apparent who regulates those games and ensures that they are RNG-certified.
Who Can Play?
Russian betting sites are typically reserved for Russian players. However, there are instances of them accepting players from outside the country. These casinos and sportsbooks are notable for featuring the Russian rouble as their currency, and they often provide gameplay in Russian and English. Despite the presence of these legal and licensed Russian betting sites, many Russians still choose to gamble at offshore casinos.
Offshore casinos in Russia may also provide gameplay in Russian, and there is no shortage of sites accepting the rouble as their currency of chance. However, this currency has lost a lot of its value in 2022, and Russians may choose to gamble using US dollars – there are plenty of offshore sites accepting that currency. Cryptocurrency casinos are on the rise in Russia, and most will accept players from the country. However, these aren’t dedicated to Russian players, so gameplay is often only available in English.
Online Casino Payment Options
Payment methods for online casinos in Russia can be categorized into several groups, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, mobile payment systems, and cryptocurrencies. Here are the most common payment methods exclusively used by people in Russia:
Credit/Debit Cards:
- Mir: Mir is a national payment system in Russia that offers both credit and debit cards. This payment method is widely accepted at many online casinos catering to Russian players.
- Visa: While Visa is an international payment system, it remains popular among Russian players for online casino transactions. Many online casinos accept Visa credit and debit cards for deposits and withdrawals.
- Mastercard: Like Visa, Mastercard is also a widely used payment method in Russia. Many online casinos accept transactions made using Mastercard credit and debit cards.
E-wallets:
- Yandex.Money: Yandex.Money is a popular Russian e-wallet that allows users to transfer funds to and from online casinos. It is known for its speed, security, and convenience.
- Qiwi: Qiwi is another e-wallet popular among Russian players. It offers a quick and secure way to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos.
- WebMoney: WebMoney is a Russian online payment system that offers a convenient and secure way to transfer funds to online casinos. Many Russian players prefer using WebMoney for online gambling transactions.
Prepaid Cards:
- PaySafeCard: PaySafeCard is a widely used prepaid card solution in Russia. Players can purchase cards with a fixed amount of funds and use them for depositing at online casinos without disclosing any personal or financial information.
Mobile Payment Systems:
- Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce): M-Commerce is a popular payment method in Russia that allows users to make transactions using their mobile phones. Some online casinos accept mobile payments from Russian players through M-Commerce.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a widely recognized and popular cryptocurrency in Russia. Many online casinos catering to Russian players accept Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals, providing a secure and anonymous option for transactions.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency in Russia, and some online casinos accept it as a payment method for deposits and withdrawals. It offers fast and secure transactions with low fees.
- Litecoin: Litecoin is a cryptocurrency that is gaining popularity among Russian players. Some online casinos accept Litecoin for deposits and withdrawals, providing a fast and secure transaction option.
Please note that the availability of these payment methods may vary depending on the specific online casino, and some methods may have restrictions based on regulatory requirements. Always double-check with the casino’s terms and conditions before making a transaction.
New Online Casinos Russia 2024
New Online Slots Russia
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Russia?
Online gambling is largely prohibited in Russia, with the exception of some sports betting and lottery websites licensed by the government. However, many Russian players access offshore online casinos that accept Russian players. While this activity is not entirely legal, the government mainly focuses on blocking access to these sites rather than targeting individual players. To learn more about gambling legislation, check our Licensing and Regulation guide.
2. What payment methods can I use at online casinos in Russia?
Popular payment methods for Russian players at offshore online casinos include credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Some commonly used e-wallets are WebMoney, Qiwi, and Yandex.Money. For more information on payment methods and banking options, visit our Payment Methods page.
3. Are online casino winnings taxable in Russia?
Winnings from online gambling are generally not taxed in Russia, as the activity is not officially recognized. However, we recommend consulting with a tax professional to ensure you comply with any applicable regulations.
4. Can I play at online casinos using Russian Rubles (RUB)?
Yes, many online casinos that cater to Russian players offer the option to deposit and withdraw using Russian Rubles (RUB). To find casinos that support this currency, check our Depositing at Online Casinos guide.
5. Are live dealer games available for Russian players?
Yes, Russian players can enjoy live dealer games at offshore online casinos that accept players from Russia. Explore our Live Dealers page to learn more about live dealer games and providers.
6. Is customer support available in Russian at online casinos?
Many offshore online casinos catering to Russian players provide customer support in Russian. For more information on what to expect from customer support, visit our Customer Support guide.
7. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Russia?
Yes, most offshore online casinos offer mobile-friendly platforms or dedicated apps for Russian players. Learn more about mobile gaming by visiting our Mobile Gaming guide.
8. How can I ensure the safety and security of my personal information while playing at online casinos in Russia?
Choose offshore online casinos with strong security measures, such as SSL encryption and reputable licenses. To learn more about online safety and security, check our Safety and Security guide.
9. Are there any responsible gambling resources available for Russian players?
Yes, there are resources available to help Russian players maintain responsible gambling habits. Familiarize yourself with responsible gambling principles and advocacy by visiting our Responsible Gambling Principles and Responsible Gambling Advocacy pages.
10. Can I use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for online gambling in Russia?
Yes, several offshore online casinos that accept Russian players also support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for deposits and withdrawals. For more information on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in online gambling, visit our Cryptocurrency and Blockchain guide.