Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has made it very clear that he is not a friend to the gambling industry, whether talking brick and mortar casinos or online casinos.  Gambling has been very popular in Russia ever since the Soviet collapse back in 1991.  Since that time tax on the gambling industry has contributed to billions of dollars in the federal budget.  Despite the profit that the Russian government made form casinos, Putin his taking steps to destroy the industry, or at least run it out of Moscow.

Four gambling zones have been established, all thousands of miles away from the Russian capital.  Figures in the Russian gambling industry are positive this is a death knell for their business. 

It is highly expected that millions of gamblers, now without a local casino for gambling entertainment will turn to online casinos.  That, however, may only be short lived.  It is highly likely that online casinos will be next on the chopping block in Russia.  The Mayor of Moscow, Yury Luzhkov has made it clear that he certainly intends to ride his city of online casinos as well.

“We've approached the government for a decision on poker clubs and Internet gambling for cash, which is pretty much the same as the gambling business,” said Luzhkov.

“Poker clubs — how can you say that's a sport?” said Luzhkov, clearly not of the mindset that considers online poker a game of skill.  Unless Russia intends to issue major censorships of the Internet in Moscow, it may be more difficult to get rid of online casinos than it is to close the doors of a brick and mortar casino.