The result of the third and final reading of Russia’s gambling bill was overwhelming. It needed 226 votes to pass and 428 deputies approved the wide ranging changes to the existing gaming industry. There may be virtual unanimity in the State Duma but opinion on the success of the new laws is divided. One thing is certain, Russian gaming manufacturers and operators have already been considering their options and changing their strategies faced with the inevitable conclusion of the gambling bill.

Is the position final? It may be, but some are already talking of a new political scene after next year’s elections, which could alter the present scenario of gaming pushed to the nether regions of Russia. Will the gambling zone near China be the only one with any chance of success? It has been suggested that there is no infrastructure to support gambling outside the big cities and that investors would be unwilling to pay to put it in place. Another point of view is that if there is money to be made, putting in airstrips would be no more of a problem than it is for drug barons in the Amazon jungle.

Will the new laws solve the problem gambling in the country? It may make easy access to gaming machines a thing of the past, but many consider gambling in Russian cities will be driven underground for the benefit of criminal mafias. The City of Moscow was already in the process of regulating gaming activity and closing down the venues inappropriately positioned or operated. The big Moscow casinos will continue to function until July 2009, contributing to Moscow tax revenue. Two and a half years is a very long time in politics. (E-12.22.06)

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