Since 2006, Russian law prohibited any online or distance gambling in any form. But in 2014, the interactive bet was introduced. Initially vague, some considered it as legalized online betting. Others interpreted the concept as a liberalization of financial transactions, according to the law firm DLA Piper.
In time, the concept grew to mean online betting in Russia was accepted. While the system moved ahead in practice, this lack of clarity left some uncertainty that interpretation of the law might change at some point. This was clarified recently, though.
In July, the Gambling Law was amended to specifically state that the Interactive Bet is the exception to the prohibition on Internet gambling in Russia. The amendments also revealed an interesting narrowing of the law. As Russian law changes rapidly, this situation could be adjusted, but for the time being, when it comes to online betting in Russia, the Interactive Bet is the only online game in town.
Russian law requires any bookmaker or totalizator to gather documentation and information to identify customers. The recent changes to the law not only liberalize the identification requirements for online customers, but the operation of the Interactive Bet system.
Russian law provides for two levels of identification in the context of gambling: the standard full identification system and a simplified version. The July changes required the simplified system to be used for the majority of online betting customers using interactive bets. The full identification is set for in-person gamblers at a bookmaker.
Other amendments signaled development of mechanisms for increased regulatory supervision over Interactive Bets. These adjustments are evidence of further development of the Interactive Bet as a legal way of conducting online betting in Russia.
