Russia Tightens Online Gambling Payment Laws Ahead of World Cup

Russia has instituted an announced ban on Russian credit institutions and payment systems in the country transferring money from individuals to illegal bookmakers, casinos and totes. The ban goes into effect as the World Cup approaches. Russian President Vladimir Putin (l.) signed the law in November and it went into effect in late May.

Russia has begun enforcing its ban on Russian credit institutions and payment systems in the country transferring money from individuals to illegal bookmakers, casinos and totes.

The law was approved in November and went into effect May 27 as part of the run-up to the World Cup.

A blacklist of prohibited gambling sites and resources will be regularly updated by the Russian Federal Tax Service.

The tax service has not announced how it will track illegal bookmakers and lotteries and said it has no statistics on the volume of transfers to illegal sites. However, all online casinos, bookmakers and lotteries based outside Russia and accepting bets from Russian citizens will fall under the new law.

Russia has licensed about a dozen bookmakers receiving payments via TSUPISes online gambling processors, which is required under the new law.

Recent Articles

History Playbook

On This Day In Sports History

On July 25, 2015, Cole Hamels pitched a 13-strikeout no-hitter to lead the Phillies past the Cubs 5-0 at Wrigley Field—the first no-hitter at the stadium since 1972. Hamels threw 129 pitches, securing the final out when Odúbel Herrera made a dramatic, tumbling catch on a Kris Bryant fly ball to center field. This historic performance marked Hamels' final game in a Philadelphia uniform; after 10 seasons with the club, he was traded to the Rangers six days later.

On This Day In Sports History

On July 24, 1908, American Johnny Hayes won the Olympic marathon in London following a dramatic controversy. Italian runner Dorando Pietri entered White City Stadium well in the lead but collapsed five times from exhaustion. Track officials helped Pietri to his feet each time, enabling him to cross the finish line 32 seconds ahead of Hayes. However, after a protest was filed on the American's behalf, Pietri was disqualified for receiving assistance, and Hayes was awarded the victory.