This is the day that a bill to impose stricter gambling regulations is first read in the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia. The bill was advertised at the end of December by the Chairman of the Economic Policies, Property and Tourism Committee, and at the time lawmakers said it would bring far harsher restrictions and requirements to the sphere of gambling businesses.

Should the bill become law in due course, all gambling outlets will have to have licences and a banking guarantee of 300 million roubles (US$ 10.6 million) and capital of 150 million roubles (US$5.3 million). There will also be a minimum requirement of 800m2 floor area for gambling halls and casinos to have at least 10 gaming tables and 40 slot machines. All licences issued before the new law is enacted will be invalid; the new licences will be granted for a 10-year period.

Zoning restrictions will come into effect, with gambling venues banned within a 100 metre radius of educational, child-care, residential and health service buildings as well as urban and commuter transport stops. No gambling operations will be allowed at sports facilities, trading organizations or buildings of federal and local authorities, nor in the buildings of religious organizations.

Many would say that these restrictions on gambling operations are long overdue. For the first time there will be a law to make gambling under the age of 18 illegal. The bill being presented should bring order to the chaotic and poorly regulated gambling sector, bringing Russia more in line with other nations where licensed gaming is a productive industry. If passed without amendment, the financial backing needed to operate is likely to eliminate all but the very largest operators. (E-02.10.06)

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