Best Betting Sites in Russia

Although Russia does not allow online gambling in certain areas, gamblers are always looking for gambling platforms. The most popular bookmakers in Russia for 2024 are listed in the table below:

Russia’s TOP Bookmakers Reviewed

Below are some of the most popular bookmakers in Russia. Learn more about each betting site.

FortuneJack

Firstly, we will review one of the best (if not the best) crypto bookmakers in Russia for 2024. The platform of FortuneJack accepts crypto payments with popular crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and more. The bookie also promotes a no deposit bonus after registration. Use our exclusive bonus code for more tailored rewards at FortuneJack.

20bet

Undoubtedly, one of the most sought-after betting products in Russia is eSports. That is why we place 20bet as our #2 pick for best betting site in Russia. It offers much more than just e-sports bets though. You will find casino games, live tables, and a fixed-odds platform. Check out the promo page for exclusive bonus campaigns with our promo code.

1xBet

This bookmaker debuted in 2011, and it has since grown to be among the best bookmakers in the industry. 1xBet is safe and reliable and holds a gambling license from Curacao. It also rewards its players with great bonuses and other exciting promotions. The platform has state-of-the-art mobile apps, live streaming services, and great odds on some of the best markets. The bookmaker offers fast withdrawal services and a reputable customer care service.

Melbet

This online bookmaker launched in 2012 and has an operating license from Curacao Gaming. The site offers more than 700 sports football and up to 50 payment methods. The odds on football games are high, and this attracts players to the platform. Besides football, players will enjoy other exciting games such as tennis, basketball, and hockey. The bookmaker Melbet has a dedicated mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. Besides sports, players can access a variety of casino, poker, and live casino games. There are plenty of bonuses and promotions available for new and existing customers. The website boasts modern logos and animated graphics designs and displays several betting products and services.

Pinnacle

It is hard to make a name for yourself in the betting world without having any sports welcome bonuses and promos for registered players. Well, Pinnacle may just prove everybody wrong. Their unique approach focuses on quality betting products and services and chooses not to include any bonuses in its sportsbook. However, the odds here are one of the most competitive ones on the market.

What to Consider When Choosing a Betting Site in Russia?

Since online gambling is illegal in Russia, gamblers need to be very careful when choosing reliable betting companies. First, the betting company should be fully licensed and regulated by a recognized gambling commission. For players wishing to bet on sports, they should register at betting companies with a strong reputation in sports betting. They should also consider betting platforms that offer live betting and live streaming services. Sports betting fans should look into the quality of odds coverage, which will give a clear picture of the narrowing and widening of the odds.

Russian players should also consider the bonuses and promotions available at the bookmaker. They should look into the general wagering terms and conditions plus the rewards. The betting company should offer reliable and safe payment methods, and the currency options should be accessible by Russian punters. The customer care service should be available 24/7 and professional.

Betting in Russia – The Basics

• Currency: Russian ruble (RUB)
• Population: 145,926,100
• Active Players: 3,200,000
• Designated Authority: Self-regulatory authorities of bookmakers known as first SRO and Bookmakers SRO
• Regulated Gambling Products: lottery, bingo, horse racing, casino games, sports betting
• Types of Operators: They include licensed and unlicensed bookmakers, land-based casinos in 5 particular regions, and land-based betting shops

Did you know that?

• The legal gambling age for Russian bookmakers is 18 years
• There are two self-regulatory bodies for bookmakers. There is the first SRO and the bookmaker SRO.
• Online casino sites and poker sites are illegal in Russia.
• Land-based betting sites are legal across the country

Gambling in Russia

Gambling in Russia SFSR had been termed illegal since 1928. However, two years before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the government lifted the blanket ban on betting activities. However, in 2019 gambling was later banned in the country. Currently, Russian players can only gamble in five designated areas, and only land-based betting activities are legal in the country. The country has about 15 top betting sites, including 1xStavka and Fonbet.

Is Gambling in Russia Legal?

Gambling in Russia is only legal in brick and mortar facilities in four designated zones, but online gambling is restricted. However, players can access bookmakers located outside the designated areas. Most bookmakers operate through TSUPIS and the Interactive Bet systems. Offshore bookmakers will mostly find their websites blocked or restricted.

Do Russian Players get Restricted by some Bookmakers? Why?

Although the Russian government tries its best to restrict or block foreign bookmakers, Russian punters are always searching for betting platforms. Therefore, these punters will always find a way of placing bets on international bookmakers such as Bet365.

How Much Tax do you Pay on Gambling Winnings in Russia?

The Federal Tax service taxes licensed Russian betting sites. Therefore, those who bet on these platforms should pay a 13% tax on their net winnings.

About The Gambling Market

The Russian government permits land-based gambling in only four localities. These designated areas include Primorsky Krai, Altai Krai, Krasnodar Krai, and Kaliningrad Oblast. Therefore, locals need to travel to these localities if they want to gamble. Russian punters find it challenging to access offshore gambling sites after the Supreme Court directed ISPs to block them. There is also a unique regulatory body known as Roskomnadzor that identifies and blocks all unauthorized bookmakers. This body has blocked several online gambling sites, but Russian punters continue to find ways of accessing these sites. Bookmakers operating in the country should hold a license from the Federal Tax Service, and they should be part of the Self-regulatory organization of bookmakers. They should also be part of the financial processing system known as TSUPI.

The Most Popular Betting Features and Options in Russia

The most common betting features on the best bookmakers in Russia include:

• Live Betting
  This feature allows players to place bets even after the matches have begun. The betting site will offer significantly shorter or longer odds depending on the events of the unfolding matches.
• Live Streaming
  This gives players the chance to follow or watch matches on mobile or desktop devices.
• Cashout
  This allows the bettor to settle a match before the last league. This is advantageous to the player because players can either make profits or reduce losses.

Available Bonuses for Russian Players

Russian bookmakers’ most common bonuses are the deposit bonus, which players will receive after registering at the gambling site. Either the betting site will match the bonus with a specific amount of money or offer it in the form of a free bet. Some bookmakers will also offer cashout bonuses or tournaments. For loyal customers, there will be VIP promotions.

The Favourite Sports of the Russian Bettors

The favorite sports among Russian players include several options. These sports are from some of the best bookmakers in Russia, and they offer some of the best odds.

• ice hockey
• football
• rugby league
• figure skating
• handball
• rugby
• and more

Currency and Preferred Payment Methods in Russia

Reliable betting companies in Russia link with a centralized payment gateway system known as TSUPIS to assist in online gambling transactions. This instant banking system processes deposits and withdrawals for legal bookmakers. All licensed bookmakers are required by law to have a TSUPIS system. Players betting on offshore sites can deposit and withdraw funds through e-Wallets such as Yandex Money, Moneta, Web Money, and Qiwi. Russian bookmakers also accept cryptocurrency methods of payment such as Bitcoin, Lite Coin, and Ethereum.

Bookies with Mobile Apps for Russian Customers

Most local bookmakers do not allow mobile betting. However, international bookmakers operating in the country allow punters to use desktop or mobile. Bookmakers Punters do not need to download the mobile app because they can play directly from their mobile browser. The apps are available on Android or iOS devices, and it becomes easy for players to access services such as live betting and live streaming services.

Final Comments

Although online betting remains illegal in Russia, sports betting shops are becoming common in the country. This is because most people in the country are engaging in gambling activities for fun or to leap the rewards. Russian punters are also in constant search of reliable international betting platforms to place their bets. These betting platforms may provide betting services in the Russian language and accept the RUB currency.

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