Russian Casinos See Over 7 Percent Increase in Visitor Numbers

Casinos in Russia are experiencing an unexpected boom. This is despite international isolation and low overall tourism numbers. The officially established gambling zones are seeing a significant increase in visitors, according to recent industry reports.

Visitor numbers in these zones rose by a remarkable 7.1 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Over one million Russian and international visitors were drawn to the casinos between January and June. This was announced by the Association of Entertainment and Event Tourism Industry Operators (AIRIS). Dmitry Anfinogenov, Executive Director of AIRIS, emphasized the importance of gambling zones. They serve as anchor points for tourism during challenging times.

Numbers and facts

Casinos in Russia's gambling zones attracted 1,000,000 visitors in the first half of 2026. In 2024, the number of visitors was 2,100,000, which represents a 10 percent increase compared to 2023. The most popular destination appears to be Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi. This complex houses Casino Sochi and Boomerang, which recorded a six percent increase in footfall in the first half of the year, with 466,300 patrons. The second most popular location is Sobranie Casino in Kaliningrad, which saw an even more impressive 30 percent increase over its 2025 numbers. Shambala Casino in Primorye rounds out the top three, also with a six percent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2025.

The Russian Far East and Arctic regions showed a 91 percent increase in foreign tourists in the first four months of 2026. This was due to visa-free travel agreements with China, according to Alexei Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East. The Primorye gambling zone, near Vladivostok, recorded 856,500 casino visitors in 2025. This was an increase of over twelve percent compared to the previous year. Visitors from China and other Asia-Pacific nations accounted for nine percent of this growth.

Background

Gambling was banned in Russia from July 2009. However, it saw a revival through the Kremlin-backed zone model. This model stipulates that casinos may only operate in specifically designated zones. These zones are located in the Altai Republic, Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, and Primorsky Krai. The current expansion of the zone model is strongly supported by the Kremlin. Two new gambling zones have already been approved. One of these, in the Altai Republic, is financially backed by Russia's largest bank, Sberbank. German Gref, a former minister and one of Russia's wealthiest men, is the originator of this project. He promises new jobs and increased tourism revenue for Altai.

“In these challenging times for the tourism industry, gambling zones remain reliable anchor points. They generate a steady flow of visitors to Russian regions and support local economic development.” - Dmitry Anfinogenov, Executive Director of AIRIS

Critics of the zone model are calling for liberalization. They wish for all major cities to be allowed to establish casinos. A gambling zone near Moscow is also being discussed. Plans for a zone in Crimea, which had been discussed since 2014, have stalled. The international recognition of Crimea as Ukrainian territory continues to deter investors. The Russian government expects around 6.5 million foreign visitors to the country by the end of 2026. Tourism companies are focusing on Asian markets. Despite the optimism, airspace disruptions, sanctions, and the uncertainty of the war continue to hamper their efforts.

Why it matters for German players

German players experience a different gambling landscape due to stricter regulations. The German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has reorganized online gambling in Germany. Only providers on the GGL whitelist are legal. This licensing ensures that high standards of player protection and security are maintained. These include a stake limit of one euro per spin for online slot machines. There is also a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros. The central monitoring system LUGAS, the cross-state gambling authority, also plays a major role. It monitors these limits and prevents simultaneous play.

Unlike Russia, Germany adopts a restrictive approach. Germany aims to better protect players. The Russian gambling zones are more akin to classic casino destinations such as Las Vegas or Macau. German players benefit from a regulated market that offers transparency and security. The focus is clearly on protection against gambling addiction and financial crime. Extensive measures are in place for this.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, this primarily means competitiveness. The strict rules in Germany ensure a high level of trust. Players know where to find safe and fair games. Marketing and bonus offers are also subject to clear regulations. High bonuses or aggressive advertising are not permitted. These measures help to keep the market reputable and make it more difficult for illegal providers.

Developments in Russia show a different path. They focus on the growth of gambling tourism. For German players, the GGL license remains the most important indicator of legality and security. The German model, although restrictive, effectively protects players. It ensures that playing remains within limits. This is a crucial difference to the Russian approach, where the economic development of the regions is paramount. Player safety and control are handled differently.