Top-rated Sports betting gambling sites in Russia

Gambling was completely illegal during the Soviet Union. But in 1988, the government lifted the ban and established the first gambling legislation. This paved the way for slot machines in Moscow. All types of betting became legal in Russia after the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991.

However, in 2006, the Russian government saw the need to control the gambling industry. A decree banning all forms of online betting was issued. It turned out to be a heavy blow on Russian sportsbooks, given that Russian punters were some of the most active customers in the online sports betting scene.

In 2009, another restriction was imposed on offline gambling establishments. Betting could only be operated by betting companies accredited by the government.

In addition, sports betting was only permitted in Krasnodar Krai, Primorsky Krai, Altai Krai, and Kaliningrad Oblast. Gambling was further regulated in 2012 by the Supreme Court of Russia. Local internet providers were ordered to shut down online betting platforms designed for Russians.

The Roskomnadzor regulatory body was mandated to track down illegitimate internet betting. All illegal gambling websites were to be listed and blocked so that Russian punters would not access them.

Nevertheless, this command was against the legal customs of Russian internet providers; hence they protested heavily. Notwithstanding, the government remained assertive and threatened to nullify the licenses of ISPs that wanted to reject the order.

With Vladimir Putin's government now offering permits to Russian sports betting sites, illegal platforms are more likely to be shut down in the future. Even as the government continues to regulate the market with taxes, more and more players will bet on unlicensed operators. The progressive growth of the industry is undeniable.

The future of Russian sports betting is in-game wagering (betting on an event as it happens) and micro-betting (placing bets on a match that's fast approaching and won't last long). There's an endless possibility in these two concepts. They will definitely increase revenue for Russian bookmakers as many residents love to watch sports, not only in Russia but also across the world.

The next big thing in sports betting is live streaming. Today, Russians can watch virtually any sport via live stream. This is a perfect option for sports lovers who don't like to be glued to their televisions.

It is even a better chance for sports bettors. Thanks to diverse mobile technologies, the internet is more accessible than ever, and so are live-streamed betting opportunities. Very soon, all Russian sports betting sites may start live-streaming games to let fans watch and place bets simultaneously.

Betting laws in Russia seem tricky, but the reality is different from what's written. To begin with, online casinos are not allowed in Russia, except in the four exclusive betting zones. The authorities seem to be more stringent on illegal casino operators than preventing individuals from betting online.

Transactions between Russian punters and international betting sites have not been blocked. Even though it is illegal to play online casino games, gamblers always find a way to access offshore sites. There hasn't been any attempt to prosecute online gamblers in Russia.

Though it may look similar to sports betting, eSports are considered illegal in Russia. But tech-savvy Russians have found ways to access favorite eSports like CS: GO, LoL, and Dota2 from international platforms. Sports betting is the only legal internet gambling activity in Russia. Russian sportsbooks are accessible from anywhere and are open to locals and tourists. Overseas bookies offer bets on all kinds of sports without being restricted by Russian gambling laws.

There's no shortage of matches and tournaments to bet on for Russian players. Sports bettors love wagering on local leagues, including Kontinental Hockey League, VTB United League for basketball, and the Russian Premier Liga. Sports with the majority of the betting odds at online sportsbooks in Russia can be summarized as follows.

Football

The easiest way to bet on football matches is to predict the outcomes of a match. The 2018 World Cup held in Russia influenced football betting to a great extent in Russia. A large volume of football matches allows Russian punters to bet on diverse markets. Many sportsbooks provide competitive football odds and special deals to entice customers.

Ice Hockey

In Russia, ice hockey is referred to as bandy, which originated in 1898 and became a national treasure. Being a strong contender in Ice Hockey, Russia produces a significant number of top-tier talent for NHL. The Russian Hockey league is among the strongest hockey teams across the globe. Almost all Russian bookmakers provide bets on ice hockey. The game is often featured on live streaming channels and sports shows.

The IIHF World Championships is one of the most anticipated tournaments in Russia, but a few national leagues are also popular. For this matter, top bookies in Russia allow customers to bet on these events in addition to other competitions in Canada, the USA, and other countries. Wagering options for Ice hockey include live betting and pre-match betting.

Volleyball

Volleyball is played indoors in a special hall because of winter's harsh weather. The national volleyball team of Russia has recorded a lot of success on the international scene. It continues to provide opportunities for sports bettors in the country.

Do Russian Sportsbooks Offer Bets on Non-Russian Sports?

Yes, online bookies allow customers to wager on sports leagues and events from across the board. Russian punters can access the European, American, Asian, and Australian markets and betting lines.

Do Offshore Bookies Have the Option to Switch to the Russian Language?

Yes, many international online bookmakers are designed to cater to a global audience and can be translated in the Russian language, among other alternatives. This covers customer support as well.

Do Russia Sportsbooks Offer eSports?

Yes, the eSports section is common in Russian online bookmakers, with such games as CS: GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends. But the coverage differs significantly in terms of events, odd values, and betting markets. Players should be careful when choosing new eSports-only sites. A good site must have a proven track record.

Do Russian Betting Sites Work on Smartphones?

Yes, today's betting platforms are optimized for mobile gadgets without compromising quality. The desktop version is still a favorite for many bettors, but mobile gambling is more rampant.

How Fast Are Payouts Processed?

The withdrawal speed depends on the payment method. Cryptocurrencies and e-wallets have the quickest transfer timeframes. Withdrawals time can range from a few hours to 24 hours. Credit and debit cards can take up to 3 business days.