Experts and Public Skeptical as Russia Considers Raising Online Casino Age Limit to 21

The Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation has suggested that access to online casinos be restricted to players aged 21 and older, but experts warn that enforcing such rules will be a major challenge. Legal analyst Olga Fedorova cautioned that without careful planning, “any new restrictions will remain nothing but a nice idea on paper.” She emphasized the need for “a robust mandatory identity and age verification to be in place before anyone is allowed to place a bet on [legalized casino sites],” adding that Moscow would also need to back the age limit policies with “penalties for companies that circumvent restrictions.”

Fedorova highlighted the practical difficulties faced by regulators, noting that “currently, Russian online casinos mostly operate illegally, often through mirror sites. Funds often flow through intermediaries and crypto services. As a result, the state does not see these cash flows. It doesn’t receive any tax revenues. And the risk of addiction and financial problems for players, including young people, becomes very real.”

Concerns about the ministry’s proposal have also been echoed by figures in the esports industry. Mikhail Pimenov, a video gaming and esports expert, told the Russian radio station Govorit Moskva (Moscow Calling) that “the legalization of online casinos may bring some revenue into the budget in the short term. But in the long term, Russian society will face significant problems that we will have to address.” Pimenov warned that legalizing online betting platforms could lead to an increase in gambling addiction rates and that under-21s might attempt to bypass restrictions through “various evasive schemes to place bets.” He concluded, “If the majority of people are against it, then the proposal will likely be reconsidered.”

Public opinion appears to support this caution. A recent poll conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VtsIOM) found that most Russian citizens oppose the ministry’s plan. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they did not support legalizing online gambling, while fewer than a third expressed support, and 15% remained undecided. The survey spoke to 1,600 citizens aged 18 and above nationwide by telephone last month.

Despite the opposition, 58% of respondents acknowledged that the plan could help generate additional budget revenues, reduce tax evasion, and benefit the state. Conversely, 14% agreed with the sentiment that lifting casino bans would amount to “the state profiteering at the expense of the people.” Yana Shiryaeva, head of VTsIOM’s press service, commented on the general skepticism, saying, “[Russians] generally don’t believe that a casino, even a state-owned one, can lose.”

The debate underscores the challenges Moscow faces in legalizing online casinos, balancing potential revenue gains against public concern and the risk of social harm, particularly among younger players.

By fLEXI tEAM