Sports betting and gambling-related activities in general are a topic that often raises questions: what is allowed, where bookmakers operate legally, what requirements apply to companies and users, and how regulation works in practice. Below is a complete overview covering the Russian system, international approaches, and cases where betting is prohibited. This text is written to fully address the topic, using all relevant terms and concepts.
The situation in Russia: a brief overview
Yes, bookmakers and other betting operators are legal in the Russian Federation, but only if they fully comply with federal law and obtain the required licenses. The main legal framework is Federal Law No. 244-FZ “On State Regulation of Activities Related to the Organization and Conduct of Gambling” (originally adopted on December 29, 2006, with amendments effective through 2025). It is important to understand that operating legally in Russia requires registration, licensing, and connection to centralized interactive betting accounting systems. Otherwise, a website may be blocked by regulatory authorities.
As a result, the Russian market currently includes:
- Official companies that are registered, licensed, pay taxes, and submit reports in accordance with the law;
- Other (offshore) platforms that may be accessible online but are subject to blocking and access restrictions.
What is regulated and what requirements apply to companies
The law and related regulations establish requirements for:
- Licensing and registration of companies, including organizational structure and documents confirming the right to operate;
- User identification procedures — access to online betting services is only available after identity verification (including integration with the Unified Interactive Betting Accounting Center);
- Personal data processing and information security — companies must ensure proper handling of user data and protection of funds;
- Tax reporting — the tax base and rules for taxing winnings or the difference between bets placed and payouts are defined by law.
There are also requirements imposed by supervisory authorities (the Federal Tax Service, Roskomnadzor, and other government bodies), including oversight of totalizators and rules governing land-based betting shops in Moscow and other cities. In case of violations, regulators may impose sanctions up to and including website blocking and liability for operators.
What this means for players: rights and risks
Players in Russia can legally place bets through official online platforms and mobile applications. Access to betting, deposits, and withdrawals depends on the operator’s compliance with regulations and the terms of the user agreement. Using illegal offshore platforms generally does not result in criminal liability for individuals, but it carries risks — loss of funds, inability to formally dispute transactions, problems with payouts, and issues related to declaring and paying taxes on winnings.
Taxation and legislative developments
The legal framework is continuously evolving. In 2025–2026, amendments related to taxation and betting accounting systems were discussed and adopted. Some initiatives focused on taxing the difference between accepted bets and payouts, as well as regulating the use of credit or corporate funds for betting. These changes affect both operators and the overall economics of the industry.
International landscape — different approaches worldwide
Global regulation varies significantly. In Europe, most countries legalize and strictly regulate sports betting. Operators must obtain national licenses, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, follow player protection rules, and meet data protection standards (such as GDPR). However, taxation models, advertising rules, and operational conditions differ by jurisdiction.
In other regions, the following scenarios are common:
- Legalization and active market development (for example, in parts of Latin America and certain European jurisdictions);
- Strict restrictions or complete bans on gambling and betting (some countries in Asia and the Middle East, where most forms of gambling are prohibited except for state lotteries).
Key factors determining whether betting is legal in a country include:
- Religious and cultural considerations;
- Economic interests (tax revenue, job creation, sector growth, and sports funding);
- The presence and effectiveness of regulatory authorities and their policies against illegal activity.
Practical advice (briefly)
If you plan to use a betting service:
- Check whether the company is registered and holds a valid license; review official registries and documentation on the website;
- Read the user agreement, withdrawal rules, identification requirements, and personal data policy;
- Be aware of taxes on winnings and what documents and information operators are legally required to request.
Conclusion
Sports betting in the Russian Federation is legal only when bookmakers and totalizators are properly registered and operate in full compliance with Russian law. They are subject to government oversight, must follow data protection rules, pay taxes, and verify users. Internationally, regulatory models differ: some countries promote development through legalization and regulation, while others prohibit betting for religious or political reasons. For all market participants, it is essential to rely on official sources, check the current version and amendments of legislation, and account for ongoing regulatory changes, as the legal framework is regularly updated.
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