New online casino law for Russia
Lawmakers in Russia are talking about introducing a new law that will fine players found playing at offshore online casinos.
Ivan Savvidi, one of Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party members told Gazeta.ru that the government is considering legislation that will fine offending players between $15 and $65 in an effort to curb the proliferation of ‘computer clubs.’
Back in July last year all bricks and mortar casinos in Russia were shut down and designated gambling zones (in the middle of nowhere) were set up as the only areas where licensed casinos could operate. Moscovites then had the option of making the very long trek to one of these casino zones, or go online…guess which option they chose?
Computer clubs, which are basically internet cafe’s set up primarily to allow gamblers to access online casino sites, soon sprung up to fill the void (like in the Ukraine) and became very popular. Despite attempts by authorities to shut down these computer clubs reports put the number currently operating in Moscow at 100…and this is probably conservative.
“Previously the law only concerned organisers of gambling and now the gamblers themselves will also be responsible,” Savvidi said of his proposed measures.
Related pages: Live casinos for Russian players
$15-$60
C’mon how’s this going to stop any gambler? Minimum bet at plenty of online tables is more than this. If you can’t afford this you wouldn’t be gambling anyway
I must admit the proposed fine amount did surprise me. I also can’t imagine it will deter players…but then I don’t know the any Russian gamblers.
It also surprises me from the standpoint that the Putin administration is a no nonsense hard edged government. Never thought of them as being overly lenient.
cheers
LD