TLDR Illegal online gambling in Russia dropped to 40% of total demand in June 2026, the lowest level since 2018. Legal betting platforms grew their share from 52.8% in January to 60% by June 2026. The illegal market’s value fell to about $316 million, down from $839 million in January 2024. The 2024 revocation of Qiwi Bank’s license cut off a key payment channel used by illegal operators. Russia’s crackdown on drop schemes has made it harder for unlicensed gambling networks to move money.
Russia’s illegal online gambling market has shrunk to its smallest size in eight years.
New data shows the change is tied to shifts in payments and law enforcement.
The numbers come from analytics platform Blask, which tracks online gambling activity across Russia.
According to the report, unlicensed casinos and bookmakers made up 40% of Russians’ online gambling demand in June 2026.
That is the lowest share recorded since 2018.
It also marks a drop from 47% at the start of the year.
Legal Betting Platforms Gain Ground
At the same time, licensed betting platforms have grown their share of the market.
Legal bookmakers held 52.8% of online gambling demand in January 2026.
By June, that number rose to 60%.
The trend suggests more Russian players are choosing regulated platforms over unlicensed ones.
Blask’s data also shows a steady decline in the size of the illegal market over the past two years.
The unlicensed sector was worth close to $316 million by the end of June 2026.
In August 2025, the same market was valued at $442 million.
Back in January 2024, it stood at $839 million, almost twice the current figure.
Payment Changes Cut Off Illegal Operators
Analysts pointed to changes in Russia’s financial system as a main driver behind the shift.
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