Five zones, and nothing in between
Russian law designates a small number of territories in which a licensed casino may operate. Everywhere else, including Moscow and St Petersburg, casino gambling is simply outside the law. The designated zones are Krasnaya Polyana near Sochi, Siberian Coin in Altai Krai, Primorye near Vladivostok, Yantarnaya in Kaliningrad Oblast, and one in Crimea, a territory whose status is disputed internationally. A sixth has been authorised in the Altai Republic.
The design is the point. Placing the industry at the far edges of a very large country puts a long journey between an ordinary citizen and a casino floor, which is a policy instrument rather than an accident of geography.
Online casino play is prohibited. Licensed sports betting operates separately and is not the same permission. From 1 September 2026 a national self-exclusion mechanism becomes available, allowing a person to bar themselves for a minimum of twelve months.
What this means for a visitor
- There is no casino in Moscow or St Petersburg, and any listing that says otherwise is describing something that is not licensed.
- Krasnaya Polyana, above Sochi, is the zone most reachable from a normal trip, because the ski resorts are there.
- Primorye near Vladivostok was built to serve the north-east Asian market rather than the Russian one.
- Sanctions and payment restrictions affect ordinary card use for many foreign visitors. Confirm before travelling with an assumption about how you will pay for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are casinos legal in Russia?
- Yes, but only inside designated gambling zones. A casino may not operate anywhere else in the country, which includes Moscow and St Petersburg.
- Is there a casino in Moscow?
- No. Moscow is not a designated gambling zone, so no licensed casino may operate there.
- Is online gambling legal in Russia?
- Online casino play is prohibited. Licensed sports betting is a separate permission and is not the same thing.
Legal age, regulator and the tax treatment of player winnings on this page were checked against the regulator's own material or a reputable legal summary in August 2026. Gambling law moves; confirm anything consequential with the regulator before relying on it. Where sources disagreed, this site leaves the figure out rather than guessing.