Regulation of Online Poker in Russia
by Roman Zykov
Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd
30 June 2009 was the last day for the gambling industry and its present format in Russia. As of 1 July 2009, many gambling establishments are supposed to continue their business only in special zones designated by the government, of which there are currently four.
ONLINE POKER IN RUSSIA
30 June 2009 was the last day for the gambling industry and its present format in Russia. As of 1 July 2009, many gambling establishments are supposed to continue their business only in special zones designated by the government, of which there are currently four.
Various business groups tried to lobby to extend the term for moving the gambling business to the special zones set out by the Games of Chance Law[1] (‘Law’). In defense to the deadline extension it was argued that by moving the deadline the government could safeguard the fiscal revenues out of the gambling tax, which amounted to the total BRUB 26,4 in 2008 and BRUB 31,5 in 2007. Only the Moscow state budget received BRUB 6 in 2008 and BRUB 6,5 in 2007! Nevertheless, this argument did not fly. In the beginning of May, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced that the terms are not subject to change. It is evident that the Law will make the gaming business search for alternative methods of conducting gambling business. One of … Continue Reading