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Read Full BioA senior Russian policymaker has stated that Moscow must respond to the likelihood of the illegal online casino sector expanding in 2026 with new regulatory measures.
The Russian state-run news agency TASS reported that the claims came from Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Commission for the Public Review of Bills and Other Regulatory Acts.
Masharov said that Moscow must approve new “systematic efforts to block gambling websites.” He urged the government to block unauthorized cryptocurrency transfers to stem the rise in betting platforms.
“In 2026, we need to be prepared for a surge in the growth of illegal bookmakers and online casinos,” he said. “We can counter by systematically blocking websites and cryptocurrency transfers.”
The policymaker said that online casinos will leverage a new range of easy-to-use tools to attract new users in 2026. “They will make the most of their ability to register new users using highly simplified procedures,” he warned.
Masharov added that most Russian online casinos do not require users to provide identification documents to create accounts.
“Online casinos will use anonymous verification methods in a manipulative manner,” he said. “They will claim these will help citizens keep their gambling habits and winnings a secret.”
Russian Online Casino Crackdown Coming?
Masharov warned that fraudsters will also target bettors in 2026. He said they would begin exploiting news stories related to tax increases for official bookmakers.
Moscow is set to raise taxes on sports betting in the year ahead. But Masharov said the authorities “should expect new fraudulent schemes” as criminals “try to extort money” from law-abiding gamblers.
Starting on January 1, 2026, all Russian bookmakers will be obliged to deduct tax from their clients’ winnings, regardless of how much they win.
This could drive some to illegal bookmakers and online casinos, he said. Many of these platforms are increasingly turning to crypto as a payment tool, Masharov added.
“It’s clear that the wallets of illegal bookmakers and online casinos will soon be filling up with cryptocurrency,” Masharov said.
He explained that illegal online casinos and illicit bookmakers were also set to “step up their targeted advertising campaigns in 2026.”
Masharov said operators would hire more social media stars as “ambassadors to promote their products to Russian audiences, especially minors.”
The policymaker concluded by advising Russian parents to “be sure to find out what their children are asking them for money for.”
Earlier this month, Yana Lantratova, Chair of the State Duma’s Committee on Civil Society Development, said lawmakers must act fast. She said the Duma is working to introduce liability for video game developers who work with online casino advertising partners.
