Authorities in Russia have shut down an illegal casino operation that was disguised as a computer club.
According to local reports, a resident in the Yevpatoria region of Crimea, alongside two accomplices, rented a basement and equipped it for gambling. This included using computers to offer virtual slots.
The venue was in operation between July 2024 and January 2025, and earned the organisers approximately 112,000 roubles (£1000).
The individuals believed to be involved in the casino have been charged with organising illegal gambling activities and the case will be heard in the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Simferopol.
Although a relatively small operation, this latest action underscores the presence of a black market in Russia.
In May, videos circulated on Telegram showing Russian authorities making a slew of arrests reportedly as part of efforts to bring down a network of illegal casinos.
Conducted by the Department of Internal Affairs, the Republic of Sakha, the FSSB and the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, bundles of cash can also be seen being taken away.
In total, sixteen members of the gang were arrested, and the two leaders were also detained.
Alongside direct action, the Russian Government is also exploring plans to take down illegal operators and block websites, as well as target crypto to curtail transaction in the online gambling sector.
Evgeny Masharov, a key member of the Russian Civic Chamber, has been charged with spearheading the latest regulatory efforts.
He stated: “The problem of illegal gambling can be solved in two ways: the first is blocking websites and applications, the second is blocking payments in cryptocurrency.”
Speaking to Russian news outlet TASS, Masharov emphasised the threat of the black market as it holds the ability to operate with a level of freedom that the regulated market simply doesn’t have.
“Gamification has become a trend, while the simplicity and convenience of the game attract new users. The legal market of bookmakers loses to illegals, as the latter do not have requirements for identification and age verification,” said Masharov.
At the heart of the proposals is the effort to elevate communications and bolster its influence over the black market.
Looking ahead, he continued by expressing confidence that the regulatory regime can be “fine-tuned” following the discussions.
