Russia to Lift Online Poker Ban?

Russia to Lift Online Poker Ban?

Friday, 4 July 2014

Grinders in Russia could soon be able to resume their careers as the government in Moscow is considering overturning a ban on online poker.

According to a report from financial newspaper Kommersant, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov has instructed officials to look into legalising the online game, which was banned in June 2009.

President of the Russian Poker Union, Kakha Kakhiani has pressed the Russian finance ministry to legalise poker which would help boost government coffers.

Supporters quoted by the Russian Legal Information Agency said that legalising online poker could initially raise between 2 and 3 billion roubles ($58m to $87m) per year, rising to 5 billion roubles by years three and four.

Officials are expected to report their findings by 21 July.



Tags: Russia, legislation