Crimea Casino Raid Exposes Russia's Illegal Gambling

Russian authorities have dismantled an underground casino in Crimea that had been operating under the guise of a computer club.

Investigators reported that a resident of Yevpatoria, together with two partners, rented a basement and fitted it with computers offering virtual slot machines.

The venue functioned between July 2024 and January 2025, generating an estimated 112,000 rubles (£1,000).

Those accused are now facing charges of running unlawful gambling operations, with the case due to be heard in the Zheleznodorozhny District Court in Simferopol.

While relatively modest in scale, the case highlights the persistence of Russia’s black market.

Earlier this year, videos shared on Telegram showed large-scale raids by the Department of Internal Affairs, the Republic of Sakha, the FSSB and the Federal Penitentiary Service, with authorities seizing stacks of cash and arresting 16 suspects, including two alleged ringleaders.

Alongside raids, the government is stepping up measures to curb illegal activity, targeting offshore sites, blocking access to operators and tightening controls on cryptocurrency transactions.

Evgeny Masharov of the Russian Civic Chamber, who is leading current initiatives, explained that enforcement will focus on two fronts: shutting down websites and apps and blocking crypto-based payments.

Speaking to TASS, Masharov warned that unlicensed gambling remains a major threat because of its ease of access and lack of safeguards. “The legal betting market cannot compete with illegals, which avoid requirements like identification and age verification,” he said.

Masharov added that regulators are aiming to strengthen oversight and refine rules further, with the goal of reducing the black market’s influence.