Russia’s government is preparing to step up its efforts of restriction against ‘unlicensed’ foreign bookmakers targeting its national consumers.
This week Russian news sources have detailed that Ministry of Finance has drafted a set of new provisions targeting restrictions on banks and online payment processors, which would lead to the blocking of payments made on foreign operators.
The ministry’s proposed amendments would seek to punish any enabler of unlicensed betting, be it an online payment provider, a national/international bank or a third party betting agent.
Russian news source RBC.ru states that the ministry had presented its recommendation in 2015, however the provisions were rejected by the Russian government due to concerns regarding the cost of monitoring multiple stakeholders.
However, following last year’s tough stance against foreign online bookmakers, the Russian government is set to review the proposition in order to tighten its current framework against unlicensed operators.
In 2016, the Russian government in conjunction with Media regulator Roskomnadzor added new industry regulations which demanded all betting payment transactions to be carried out through centralised payment system TSUPIS.
Roskomnadzor would move to restrict international payment providers QIWI and Skrill (Paysafe Group) from offering services. Furthermore, Roskomnadzor would widen its black-listed net by adding media portals and affiliates that promoted unlicensed betting operators.
To date, Russia has only six licensed online betting operators, who have agreed to comply with all Roskomnadzor and government regulations. The Six licensed bookmakers are Liga Stavok, Winline, 888.ru, 1XBet, Leon.ru and new operator BKfon.ru
