15
Dec
Russia’s Love/Hate Relationship with the Gambling Industry
Author: Chris // Category: Online Casino News
Gambling and casino operating has been a highly controversial topic since the invention of gaming. There are numerous concerns voiced when the issues of gambling are discussed. How can it be controlled? How can players be protected? How can revenue be shared with the people, while out of the hands who prey on grey areas? How can gambling addictions be contained? Of course, there is always the moral debate of whether it should even be allowed.
Nations around the world have found their own way to deal with gambling. Some outlaw it completely. Some, like the Principality of Monte Carlo, base their entire economy on their famous, profitable, and responsible Casino Roayle. Some, like The United States, only allow it in certain areas or with certain licenses.
Russia has had an up and down relationship with the gambling industry. In 1698, Tzar Peter the Great introduced Russia’s first lottery. However, with the rise of The Soviet Union, gambling was declared illegal. Little by little casinos made a come back in the USSR, but by the 1980’s it was unchecked, unregulated, and a massive industry. When Russian President came to power, he removed all casinos and gambling halls to four remote areas in the Russian Federation. Fortunately for bookmakers, there were able to keep operating as long as they obtained special licenses.
Lotteries have made a comeback in Russia as a form of gambling. In fact, there is a law that allows any private company to host a lottery. One of the most popular lotteries are electronic lotteries. A player inserts money into a machine and the machine automatically tells them if they are a winner.
Online gambling, however, has not been such a clear cut enterprise. Today in Russian Federation online gambling and casinos are not legal, but they are not illegal either. The Russian government does not grant licenses for online casino gambling. However, many casinos that operate outside of Russia have sites dedicated to a Russian players.
Clearly, Russia has ridden up and down on the gambling roller coaster. It seems now all they have to do is find a way to make it a viable economic venture for its citizens and its government.
