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Complete Guide To Russia Online Casinos

Russia has a complex gambling history. During the Soviet era, gambling was completely illegal. Gambling was legalised once the Soviet Union collapsed, but it’s not a cut and dry market, and Russia online casinos are a hot topic in terms of legalities.

While land-based gambling is somewhat legal, Russian online players need up to date information before they bet online. Look no further, here is our in-depth guide to online gambling in Russia.

  • Aleksandra Nolan

  • Updated: 27.09.2024

    • Updated: 27.09.2024

  • Reviewed by: Alexis Johnson

    • Toplist

    The Best Russia Online Casinos

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    How To Find Russian Casinos

    russia casinosHow To Find Russian Casinos

    When it comes to both offline and online gambling in Russia, the country’s legislation proves confusing. This country has a long and colourful gambling history, with moments of change usually coinciding with shifts in the nation’s political sphere.

    During the communist regime of the 1920s, gambling was outright banned, but towards the end of the USSR, gambling was once again allowed, with the first land-based casinos popping up in Moscow in 1989. As the regime collapsed, so more interest was shown in activities from the West, leading to a rise in poker games.

    If you’re Russian or living in Russian territory and looking for the best Russia online casinos, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together a list of the safest online gambling platforms that accept Russian players, and sometimes even Rubles.

    We’ve tested every site to bring you in-depth casino reviews with everything you need to know about a platform, from the sign-up process through to cashing out, claiming bonuses and everything in between.

    Legalities

    I Go Russia! But Is Online Gambling Legal for Russian Gamblers?

    The 1928 prohibition of all kinds of betting in Russia remained in place for nearly six decades and was lifted during the 1980s. At one point, Moscow became the home of over 550 gambling clubs of all shapes.

    While in some countries the laws around betting and gambling are greyed, this isn’t the case in Russia, where gambling laws are crystal clear. Online gambling is restricted, while land-based betting is permitted in all of 4 locations in the country. Does that mean you can play at Russia online casinos?

    Let’s go a bit deeper.

    Russian Gambling – Back In The USSR

    Betting in Russia has been somewhat legal for about 20 years, with new limitations implemented in 2009. During that time, it was protested that a large number of operators existed that didn’t follow the country’s legal betting landscape, with businesses and operators becoming rebellious. As a result, betting was again prohibited in the greater part of the country.

    It was at this time that betting remained legal in just 4 areas: Altai, Primorsky, Krasnodar and Kaliningrad.

    The Federal Law No. 244FZ of 2006 left no questions around the legality of Russian online gambling, but this proved difficult to enforce.

    Prior to 2006, Russia online casinos and their operators and players enjoyed an open market, with players able to access sites both locally and overseas. Russian companies operating within the nation were forced to shut down their sites or move operations to a different country. Some sites stopped accepting players from Russia. Other operators carried on as normal, which meant the Kremlin had to come up with a way to enforce its online gambling ban.

    Finally, in 2012, the Supreme Court of Russia ruled internet service providers to block access to gambling sites and created the country’s regulatory body, Roskomnadzor. By 2017, Roskomnadzor had blocked over 60,000 sites with that number more than doubling just one year later.

    Google Agrees With The Kremlin

    In January 2019, Google agreed to block casino platforms from its search results in Russia. The search engine company was fined a whopping US$ 7,500 by Roskomnadzor and rumours suggest that in 2018, the regulator blocked tens of thousands of online gambling sites.

    While Google initially refused to filter search results as demanded by the Russian regulator, it did agree to pay the fine and update results to exclude gambling websites. Fortunately for Google, the fine handed down by the Russian watchdog was smaller than the maximum amount acceptable under Russian law. However, some links did remain on Google’s platform.

    So, gambling in Russia may be banned, but there are still plenty of top online casinos accepting players from Russia and while you may face criminal charges or a fine if you’re caught, there are no records of players being charged with illegal online gambling to date.

    Jurisdiction

    Licensing Authority And Russia Online Casinos

    Interestingly, private operators in Russia can apply for online gambling licences from the Federal Tax Service. But, under the 2016 amendment to the country’s gambling legislation, this only applies to sports betting and tote licences for now.

    To date, a legal sports betting entity in Russia can obtain a betting licence if they meet the following requirements:

    • 1 billion rubles in company assets
    • 100 million rubles in registered capital
    • 0.5 billion rubles bank guarantee

    Paperwork for these licensing takes about a month and a half and costs around 300 rubles.

    But that’s sports betting. What about operators of Russia online casinos? While this country has implemented some of the strictest measures around to stop players from accessing online gambling platforms, there are still ways for you to access the top casinos recommended on this page.

    There are many major casino operators who accept players from Russia, giving you the opportunity to play with rubles, seek Russian customer support and even play on a completely Russian-translated casino site.

    That means you can still enjoy everything the best international online casinos have to offer, along with Russian-based games and real money casino bonuses, provided you are 18 years or older and complete a casino’s verification process.

    Offshore Casinos Are Acceptable – Just Don’t Get Caught

    If you’ve landed on this page, it’s because you’re looking to gamble at real money Russia online casinos, and the good news is that you can – in RUB, tax-free, provided the casinos are not based in the country or licensed by Russian authorities.

    The best RUB casinos today are operated by renowned gambling companies and are fully licensed and regulated by some of the toughest gambling authorities in the world. For you, that means a safe online experience where you don’t need to worry about your details being sold or your funds going missing.

    Today, Russian casino players can enjoy 24-hour customer support, Russian-language casinos, amazing promotions and even local online payment methods. These offshore sites are typically licensed by the likes of:

    • The Government of Curacao
    • The United Kingdom Gambling Commission
    • Malta Gaming Authority
    • Gibraltar Gaming Authority

    FAQ

    FAQ

    • Do online casinos accept Russian rubles?

      Yes, major online casinos happily accept Russian rubles.

    • Is it safe to play at Russia online casinos?

      Yes, provided they are based overseas and are suitably licensed and regulated.

    • Can I play for free at recommended Russian online casinos?

      Yes, some of the best casinos on this page allow you to try out games for free before wagering real money.

    • Can I claim bonuses at online casinos from Russia?

      Yes, Russian players can claim all types of casino bonuses provided they meet the terms, conditions and wagering requirements.

    • Do Russian online casinos impose withdrawal fees?

      This differs between operators and depends on your payment method. It’s best to check this out before you sign up at a site.

    • How do I withdraw my winnings from online casinos?

      You can request a withdrawal from the casino’s cashier and provided you have met any wagering requirements, your payment will be processed as soon as possible.

    • How long do withdrawals take if you live in Russia?

      It depends on elements like the payment method and conversion fees but can take anywhere from a few hours to several business days.

    • What is the legal gambling age for Russian players?

      Renowned online casinos permit players who are 18 years or older.

    Types Of Casinos

    Types Of Online Casinos For Russians

    CASINOWHAT IS IT?PROSCONS
    Download casinosThe casino requires you to download software on an app to be able to log in and play real money games.Access to the full library of games. Quick loading. Full suite of features and payment methods.Takes up hard drive or mobile device space. Risk of viruses and spyware.
    Web-based casinosNo need to download casino software. You can sign up and play games instantly in your web browser. These casinos are fast to load.Quick and easy access to the best offshore Russia online casinos.Some casinos don’t offer their full suite of games on the web-based platform.
    Mobile casinosCasinos are accessible on smartphones and tablets – either via the browser or by downloading a casino app.Perks for playing at mobile casinos like exclusive bonuses. Play anywhere and anytime.A stable internet connection is needed. Not all games may be accessible on mobile devices.
    Live casinosGames streamed from studios in real-time with real dealers.Play with real dealers and opponents live. Large choice of games, sometimes with Russian croupiers.Need a stable and reliable internet connection.

    Games

    Vodka And Potatoes? No, It’s Slots And Table Games For Russians

    Since you have access to the best overseas Russia online casinos around, you can try out games from all the top software developers. These platforms are equipped with games to satisfy all sorts of preferences and bankrolls. So, whether you’re into a bit of bingo or a spot of slots, you’ll find something to play.

    Some of the most popular games you’ll find at these casinos include:

    • Video poker
    • Slots – including renowned titles such as Big Bad Wolf, Starburst, Vikings Go Berzerk, Thunderstruck II and The Tipsy Tourist
    • Jackpot games and the Megaways series
    • Keno
    • Bingo
    • Craps
    • Lottery
    • Live Casino games, including show games and live table games
    • Table games

    online casinos russia

    Bonuses

    Valuable Online Casino Bonuses For Your Russian Rubles

    When you sign up at the best Russia online casinos, you can look forward to a multitude of exciting bonuses and promotions. Do read each offer’s terms, conditions and wagering requirements to make sure you’re eligible for the bonus and that your preferred payment method doesn’t disqualify you.

    Common bonuses you can claim at offshore online casinos accepting Russian players include:

    Payments

    Payment Methods Popular In Russia Online Casinos

    With such a prohibitive legal landscape, it comes as no surprise that some gambling payment methods have been blocked to Russian players. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to fund your casino account and claim your winnings.

    Ideally, you want to choose real money online casinos that accept deposits in rubles, along with speedy transactions and low to no fees. There are a few payment methods aimed at Russian players, with your needs in mind, and we’ve made sure the casinos listed on this page have such banking options.

    Besides credit and debit cards along with popular e-wallets, here are some popular payment methods you’ll find at international Russia online casinos:

    russian casinos

    • Yandex Money – Russian online gamblers can fund their casino account with this e-wallet. In turn, you can fund the e-wallet anonymously with your Russian-issued credit or debit card. To make casino transfers, all you need is a Yandex login.
    • QIWI Wallet – this Visa wallet is like a third-party processor, creating a buffer between your favourite online casinos and your Russian bank account. QIWI wallet is also available to players based in Kazakhstan.
    • Cryptocurrencies – these offer a great deal of anonymity and safety giving you the freedom to play at the best Russia online casinos without your actions being traceable. Since VPNs were banned in the country in 2017, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Tether,  Litecoin and Ethereum have been popular amongst Russian players.
    • WebMoney – WebMoney lets Russian players move cash around safely. Having been around since the 1990s, this casino payment method allows for anonymous transactions. However, there are fees for moving rubles to and from casino sites.

    We must mention that in January 2021, the Russian central bank clamped down on casino transactions, with players only able to play with cryptocurrencies. Several major payment systems, including Yandex Money and QIWI, were temporarily banned from carrying out transactions with any other country in an effort to crackdown on illegal casino operators. Several Russian banks and payment operators faced sanctions, including Onego and Fintekh. With this in mind, check if your preferred payment method is accepted at a casino before you create an account.

    Should your preferred online casino not accept deposits and withdrawals in Russian rubles, you will have to pay a small currency conversion fee, based on the exchange rate at the time of playing. You can mitigate these costs by choosing effective banking options such as e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.

    The casinos recommended on this page are transparent and straightforward when it comes to these transfer fees, so you’ll know exactly what you’re in for before you even create a new player account.

    How To Choose A Casino

    How To Choose Russia Online Casinos In Other Countries

    Joining an online casino is serious business, considering you need to divulge personal and monetary details. All the casinos mentioned in our reviews have been vetted by our team of experts to ensure they are licensed, legal and acceptable for players from Russia.

    When we review online casinos, we put them through a strict list of requirements they must meet before we even recommend them. Here are our requirements.

    • Licence – only play at licensed online casinos that are regulated by trusted and known authorities like the MGA, UKGC and the Government of Curacao.
    • Security – besides a licence from a reputable gambling regulatory authority, online casinos must use SSL encryption and firewall technology as well as take responsible gambling seriously. There must be no chance of your funds or data getting into the wrong hands and there must be recourse if you have a problem.
    • Customer support – never overlook the importance of customer support. Having someone friendly and knowledgeable to speak to about services or problems at offshore Russia online casinos makes for a more enjoyable experience.
    • Currency – the best online casinos accept deposits in Russian rubles, while there are those who are happy for you to withdraw your funds in the same currency; just make sure you confirm this beforehand, especially since exchanging rubles into Euros or US Dollars could cost you additional fees.
    • Compatibility – instant play, downloadable software and mobile compatibility all contribute towards whether or not you should sign up at overseas Russia online casinos.
    • Bonuses and promotions – we do our best to source online casinos that offer bonuses and promotions in rubles, along with transparent and fair wagering requirements and terms.
    • The games – this is one of the biggest elements at online casinos, and we try to pick sites that offer a variety of slots, Live Casinos and table games along with options like video poker, bingo and scratch cards.
    • Fair gaming – we check each casino for fair gaming by ensuring that the offshore Russia online casinos we recommend use RNGs that are tested and certified for fair and random outcomes by reputed and independent testing agencies. These platforms also have their game payouts regularly audited for optimal transparency and fairness.
    • Language – if you want to play casino games in your mother tongue, you’ll be excited to discover that some of the best casino brands are available in Russian. Most casinos are available in English, too, along with other languages.
    • Operator reputation – a casino operator’s reputation tells you whether or not a site’s worth playing at. We check the operator profiles of Russia online casinos for strong reputation and standing.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros And Cons Of Playing At Offshore Russia Online Casinos

    Despite the downfalls, there are still plenty of reasons to play at Russian online casinos. Your best bet is to weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether or not it’s something for you.

    Pros

    • Generous bonuses
    • Deposit with rubles
    • Access to hundreds of offshore sites
    • Multilingual gaming
    • Plenty of banking options
    • Novelty games

    Cons

    • You need a VPN
    • Some payment methods are blocked
    • Risk of taxation

    VPN and payment methods aside, Russian players can still get their hands on plenty of generous bonuses and promotions at the biggest online casinos – some of which even provide Russian-themed slots and other popular casino games.

    online casinos in russia

    Responsible Gambling

    Always Gamble Responsibly In Russia

    There are a number of internationally accredited companies that specialise in helping with problem gambling and the best offshore Russia online casinos, including:

    • Gamblers Anonymous
    • Gamble Aware
    • Gambling Therapy
    • GamCare

    Most of these organisations offer free information and support in the form of FAQs, questionnaires, online forums and trained counsellors.

    All the online casinos we’ve recommended for Russian players also offer responsible gambling tools to help limit your spending and gameplay, such as:

    • Deposit limits
    • Time limits
    • Cool-off period
    • Reality checks
    • Self-assessment quizzes
    • Self-exclusion

    Conclusion

    Will Online Gambling Legislation Ever Change In Russia?

    We can’t predict what the future holds, but it seems to be a sure bet that positive changes for players or operators in Russia are not on the cards.

    The Russian government has made it abundantly clear that even should it consider relaxing some gambling laws in the country, this won’t apply to Russia online casinos and online gambling activities. This was already apparent when online casino gaming wasn’t included in Russia’s legalised gambling zones and again made clear when online poker wasn’t included in certain talks. Even if poker is considered a game of skill rather than a game of luck, making it potentially legal, it’s not likely to include online gaming platforms.

    There aren’t any massive changes expected in the future, which may mean that whatever technicalities are already in place won’t affect players playing at offshore casinos.

    With more than 60% of Russians playing online every day, accessibility isn’t likely to halt anytime soon. While we do hope the Kremlin will reconsider their stand at some stage, you can still play at the best overseas Russia online casinos with a VPN and peace of mind that the casinos we recommend are licensed and safe.

    Aleksandra Nolan

    View all articles by author

    Experienced online casino writer and reviewer who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. She enjoys analyzing the latest trends in the industry and offering valuable tips to help others by having the most from betting at online casinos. She is constantly looking for new and interesting topics to write about and stays up-to-date on the latest changes in the online gambling industry.