With new regulatory measures, a senior Russian policymaker has said that Moscow should respond to the likelihood of the illegal online casino sector expansing in 2026.
TASS, Russia’s state-run news agency, reported that Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Commission for the Public Review of Bills and Other Regulatory Acts, made the claims.
According to Masharov, Moscow should approve new systematic efforts to restrict gambling websites. He encouraged the government to restrict unauthorized cryptocurrency transfers to stem the rise in betting platforms.
He warned that they must prepare for a surge in illegal bookmakers and online casinos in 2026. They can counter by systematically blocking websites and cryptocurrency transfers.
According to the policymaker, online casinos will leverage a new variety of easy-to-use tools to attract new users next year. He warned that they will make the most of their ability to register new users using highly simplified procedures.
Masharov added that most Russian online casinos do not require users to provide identification documents to create accounts.
He said that online casinos will use anonymous verification methods in a manipulative manner. They will claim these will help citizens keep their gambling habits and winnings a secret.
Next year, Masharov warned that fraudsters will also target bettors. According to him, they would start exploiting news stories related to tax increases for official bookmakers.
Moscow plans to raise taxes on sports betting in the year ahead. However, Masharov said the authorities should expect new fraudulent schemes as criminals try to extort money from law-abiding gamblers.
Beginning January 1 next year, Russian authorities will require all bookmakers to deduct tax from their clients’ winnings, regardless of the amount won.
