At a meeting with leaders of the Duma, the Russian president yesterday spoke of the problem of the gambling business. Likening it to the spread of alcoholism, Vladimir Putin said gambling had serious moral and sometimes material consequences. He went on to say that a draft law would be presented to legislators in order to improve the situation. Police have already closed two Moscow casinos where the Georgian owners are accused of being involved in illegal activities.

At a press conference following the meeting Boris Gryzlov, speaker of the Duma and leader of the Russia United party, announced that four uninhabited territories will be allocated for the gambling industry. Two would be in the European zone of the country, one in the Eastern zone and one in Siberia. Vladimir Putin had already expressed the hope that the Duma legislators will approve the gambling law amendments as quickly as possible.

The proposed changes to Russia’s gambling regulations, which would have the effect of an earthquake on the present gaming industry, may yet get further amendment before being voted into law. It could be argued that Moscow and St Petersburg, as centres of tourism, should be allowed to keep some of their casino industry under more rigorous regulations. However, many legislators are fiercely against gambling in any of its forms and the Russian industry may have to look to setting up casino resorts in the wilderness.

The fact that it can be done successfully has already been demonstrated by Sun City in South Africa, but Russia does not have the advantage of year-round sunshine. Little wonder that major Russian operators and gaming manufacturers are already moving into other areas of the world, including Latin America. (E-10.05.06)

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