Russian Gambling Domains Blocked By Federal Authorities

Russian Gambling Domains Blocked By Federal AuthoritiesRussian authorities are currently clamping down on unregulated internet gaming operators, and this week blocked dozen of gambling sites that were deemed to be breaking the country’s gambling laws. Roskomnadzor, the federal media watchdog in charge of the operation, has now blocked domains belonging to some of the world’s biggest online gambling companies, with the list including names such as 888 Poker, Bwin.party, Betway, Ladbrokes, Unibet, Titan Poker, Marathon Bet, Pinnacle Sports, andJackpotCity.
Domestic Russian bookmakers, too, were targeted during the operation, including sites owned by Fonbet, Vulkan-Bet, Favbet, TrioBet, Liga Stavok, and 1xbet. These domains had previously had judgements issued against them by the Russian courts, but it looks like Roskomnadzor is now serious in enforcing the country’s anti-gambling laws. As Russia’s Finance Ministry stated recently:
“Under the law, citizens of Russia are prohibited from participating in gambling and lotteries in Russia and abroad, including the Internet.”
As the law currently stand, gambling is legal only in four specifically designated areas, whilst being illegal everywhere else inside the world’s largest country. In order to combat the hundreds of illegal sites popping up across the internet, a new bill has even been introduced to stop banks from processing internet gambling transactions. Furthermore, gambling operators are now required to register with a self-regulatory organization (SRO), which subsequently ensures all transactions are directed and monitored through the system, so that unlicensed, illegal operators can more easily be identified.
While Russia is busy clearing out those illegal sites currently flaunting the country’s gambling laws, one possible piece of positive news for gamblers is the suggestion that Russia may simply be preparing the online landscape for licensing and regulation further down the line. While this could simply be wishful thinking, the Russian economy is currently reeling under the pressure of international sanctions, and low oil prices, making this potential source of  extra income more appealing to Russia.


Poker News
Mississippi Casinos Post Record Revenue in April as Sports Betting Beckons
04 Jun 2018
Mississippi’s casinos generated gross gaming revenue of $184 million in April, or 5% more compared to the same month in 2017. Furthermore, that total represents an all-time high for the state, and is 1.3% more than the previous record set in 2007 when thousands of volunteers entered Mississippi to assist in cleanup efforts post-Hurricane Katrina.
Switzerland Prepares For June 10th Legalized iGambling Referendum
04 Jun 2018
On June 10th, Switzerland will hold a national referendum to decide whether the ‘Money Gaming Act’ passed by the Swiss Parliament in September 2017 can be implemented next year in its present form. The piece of legislation paves the way for land-based casinos and local partners to offer legalized online gambling in Switzerland, although a
MGM Resorts International Buys NY's Empire City Casino for $850 Million
02 Jun 2018
Real estate and entertainment conglomerate MGM Resorts International has revealed that it’s embarking on a purchase of Empire City Casino, a slots and pari-mutuel wagering venue located in Yonkers, N.Y., just a few miles north of Manhattan. The deal was announced May 29 in a press release, and is expected to be completed near the
Delaware to Launch Full-Scale Sports Betting on June 5th
02 Jun 2018
Last month’s decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn the sports betting ban in the country has opened the floodgates for individual states to legalize and regulate sports wagering within their borders. Before its decision was even made, though, a number of states had already put in place the necessary legislation in order to