Russia targets crypto payments at online casinos
Authorities propose banning gambling platforms that use crypto and lack identity checks, citing risks to children.
Russian officials have proposed new measures to curb illegal online gambling. The plan involves targeting cryptocurrency payments and restricting access to unlicensed casino platforms.
Yevgeny Masharov, a senior policymaker, outlined plans to block crypto transactions. He also proposed restricting access to websites and apps linked to illicit gambling activities.
Masharov stressed that underage users are particularly vulnerable, noting that crypto-based casinos often skip identity checks and age verification. Parents are concerned that gamified gambling apps target children. Masharov warns that legal operators are losing out to more convenient illegal platforms.
Doubts remain over how effective such measures could be. Russians have previously bypassed state bans using VPNs, most notably during the failed Telegram block in 2018. Despite efforts to outlaw VPNs, many continue to use them freely.
Russia’s evolving stance on cryptocurrency includes its use in international trade and Bitcoin mining. These developments could complicate efforts to restrict crypto use in domestic online gambling.
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