Runet users have access to hundreds of sites with thousands of slots and other games. Advertisements of such services regularly catch the eye, encouraging you to make a deposit and start betting. Some users without any fear register on such sites and start playing slots, roulette, blackjack and other virtual disciplines. But there are also more cautious people who first think about the possible risks. They ask themselves a logical question – is it legal to play in online casinos in Russia?
- Can you legally play in online casinos in the Russian Federation
- What gambling is allowed
- Taxes on winnings
- What awaits players in the future
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to gamble at online casinos in the Russian Federation?
In 2006, on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation began to develop draft laws to ensure control over the activities of operators in the field of gambling services. july 1, 2009 was adopted a law to ban all gambling establishments in the country, except those located in several zones:
- “Yantarnaya” (Kaliningrad region).
- “Sibirskaya Moneta” (Altai region).
- “Krasnaya Polyana” (Sochi).
- “Primorye” (Far East).
- “Azov-City” (Krasnodar region) – the zone has been liquidated.
- “Zolotoy Bereg” (Crimea) – under construction.
Virtual casinos in the country have become illegal. It is impossible to register such a business in Russia.
Nevertheless, the law did not prohibit the operator to launch gambling sites outside the Russian Federation. Therefore, such sites began to register in other countries, which also officially issued licenses
Nevertheless, the law did not prohibit the operator to launch gambling sites outside the Russian Federation. Therefore, such sites began to be registered in other countries, which also officially issued licenses.
Roskomnadzor constantly blocks links to casinos. Users from the Russian Federation do not have access to such sites.
Why online casinos are banned in Russia
The ban of online casinos in Russia can be explained by many reasons. One of them is the protection of domestic gambling establishments located in out-of-town areas. At the beginning of the “noughties” slots were allowed throughout the country. Each gambling establishment advertised its services, thus attracting all categories of citizens. This had a negative impact on the future of society, as many developed addiction. This is one of the reasons why online casinos are banned.
It was not only the excessive involvement, addiction of players that became a problem. There were other consequences – the emergence of fraudsters laundering money. Many gambling clubs evaded tax obligations, and the government had no leverage against offshore companies. All this led to the fact that the legality of online casinos was called into question. Gambling establishments began to close down.
What gambling is allowed
The only category of legal gambling in the Russian Federation is sports betting. The law on online casinos does not apply to betting sites. You can use their services offline or online. Not all bookmakers work legally, but only those that have taken care of the registration of a license. The legislation does not prohibit lotteries, although formally they do not belong to the category of gambling.
Taxes on winnings
On the territory of the Russian Federation, online casinos are prohibited. Therefore, users play on sites registered abroad. Citizens are obliged to self-declare the payments received and give 13%. The tax rate does not depend on the legality of the virtual casino.
The bank, whose card the player uses, has the right to request additional information from him:
- Data to confirm the origin of the money that was originally used fordeposit. This may be a statement of account or a certificate of income.
- Screenshots from myAlpari, which shows the name of the casino user and details of his card.
- A certificate of verification of the account on the gaming site.
- Screenshots confirming the amount of transactions in the online casino.
Also, Russian financial institutions can request information to confirm the payment of taxes from gambling. Screenshots of bank checks and orders are accepted. There are several stakes in the Russian Tax Code.
| Source of receipt of winnings | Bet |
|---|---|
| Casinos, betting sites, lotteries | 13% |
| Lotteries for non-residents of the Russian Federation | 30% |
| Incentive promotions (lotteries, drawings of gifts or prizes) | 35% |
What the future holds for players
Russian laws regulating gambling activities are imperfect. The current regulatory framework is unable to protect vulnerable groups of citizens and prevent the outflow of income from such business from the country due to the popularity of online casinos.
It is possible that in the future the country will introduce more effective laws, as, for example, in Denmark, Sweden or the UK. In this case, adults will be allowed to play online casinos in Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, according to the current legislation, once a year the user is allowed not to pay the fee if the amount of winnings amounted to less than 4000 rubles.
The law does not prohibit Russian citizens from registering and betting on foreign sites.
No, it is illegal. Legal companies do not commit such a violation, as it will lead to the revocation of the license.
This is the responsibility of the operator who owns the site. Age verification is done as part of the KYC policy verification.
They are legally hosted only in gambling zones. In any other location within the country, it is illegal to host slots.