Best Online Casinos Russia in 2023 – Top Gambling Sites
Although Russian online gambling is banned, many citizens continue to enjoy their favourite games at casino sites in Russia registered in foreign jurisdictions. In this article, which is part of our casinos by country series, we explain the law and other information you need to know about playing online in the country.
- Best Online Casinos Russia for 2023
- The Top Casinos That Accept Russian Players for 2023
- Is Online Gambling Legal in Russia?
- History of Gambling in Russia — Casino Gambling Laws
- Games at Russian Online Casino
- Payment Methods at Online Casinos Russia
- Bonuses at Online Casinos Russia
- Important Factors To Consider When Choosing an Online Casino in Russia
- How To Play at an Online Casino in Russia
- The Future of Online Casinos in Russia
- Russian Online Casino Conclusion
- FAQs
Best Online Casinos Russia for 2023
- Accepts Russian players
- Accepts Roubles
- Bitcoin-friendly casino
- Play from Russia
- Bonus split over 2 deposits
- Weekend Reload Bonus up to €/$100
- Accepts Russian players
- Reload bonus available
- Website available in Russian
- Russian players welcome
- Offer valid on 1st deposit
- 1-minute registration
- Website available in Russian
- 24/7 customer support
- Accepts cryptocurrency
- Accepts Russian players
- Great loyalty scheme
- Multi-award winning
The Top Casinos That Accept Russian Players for 2023
If you are a Russian player looking for a casino platform, we've got you covered. Delve into three of our top picks for Russian online casinos, each of which not only ensure an excellent all-round gaming experience, but also boast legitimacy, holding a licence from the government of Curaçao.
#1 BitStarz
bitStarz’s vibrant and modern homepage shows its generous welcome offer worth up to ₽50,000 + 180 free spins, as well as its selection of games. (Source: bitStarz)
Since its launch in 2014, bitstarz has established itself as an innovative and sleek platform with an extensive gaming library of over 3,700 titles. Conveniently, the site’s language can be changed to Russian on the drop-down menu on the left-hand side.
After joining the casino site, you can grab a fantastic welcome package of up to ₽50,000 or 5BTC over your first four deposits, as well as 180 free spins. Learn more about this by checking out the T&Cs. Aside from this welcome offer, you can find weekly promotions for reload bonuses and free spins.
As we explain in our bitStarz casino review, deposits and withdrawals can be made in a range of currencies, including the ruble. There are several payment options to choose from, such as traditional methods, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies.
Play at bitStarz#2 Tsars
Tsars Casino offers a clean and visually-pleasing design on its site that can be conveniently translated into Russian. (Source: Tsars)
Tsars is undoubtedly worthy of a place on our best Russian casinos list, not only because of its name but also because it offers a truly royal experience in terms of games, security, and bonuses.
New players are greeted to the platform with a grand welcome package of ₽170,000 and 200 free spins over their first four deposits (T&Cs apply).
At the bottom of the page, you can switch the language to Russian. Additionally, as you can read in our Tsars casino review, this operator supports a variety of currencies including the ruble, making your transactions efficient. The site also features an extensive list of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
Play at Tsars#3 1xSlots
Although 1xSlots’s homepage shows a bonus in euro, there is a dedicated bonus for Russian players adding up to ₽150,000 + 150 free spins. (Source: 1xSlots)
Established in 2017, this platform has grown into a popular destination for casino players across the world. As an introduction to 1xSlots, it extends a welcome offer of up to ₽150,000 and 150 free spins over your first four deposits. Full information can be found in the T&Cs. After this welcome package, there is a whole host of regular promotions to take advantage of.
As per our 1xSlots casino review, this website has a multitude of language options, including Russian, which can be changed through the widget in the bottom-left corner. Russian players also have access to 47 payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, with payments in ruble accepted.
Play at 1xSlotsIs Online Gambling Legal in Russia?
The short answer to this question is no. The long answer is a bit more complex than that, which we delve into further below.
The Russian Supreme Court ruled that local players could not play any games of chance online, no matter where the website was registered.
To ensure citizens were following the directive, a government body by the name of Roskomnadzor was put together to find and blacklist all online gambling sites that allowed Russians to play online — even those registered in foreign jurisdictions, such as the best online casinos Europe.
Since then, the government has cracked down on this issue, threatening to remove their licences and hit them with large fines if they don’t cooperate.
Even so, it is estimated that around 70% of all wagers made by Russians are made illegally, which shows that many people are still accessing Russian casino sites. While it is illegal, prosecution of individual players is a very rare occurrence.
Did you know?Online sports betting is legal and has been fully regulated for over a decade. In fact, Russia actually licenses such online sites, with some of the world’s biggest casino brands opting for a Russian licence for sportsbooks.
Online poker is a bit of a grey area as it is considered a game of skill rather than a game of chance. This, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll find Russian government-approved casino websites where you can play it legally.
History of Gambling in Russia — Casino Gambling Laws
Even though president Vladimir Putin reinstated a near total ban on gambling in 2009 due to links that were identified between criminal organisations and casino establishments, it’s not all doom and gloom.
The ban does not apply to the Primorsky Krai, the Altai Krai, the Kaliningrad Oblast, and the Krasnodar Krai regions, where land-based casinos can still operate from. Online casinos by this point were not largely affected, but the 2012 Russian Supreme Court ruling brought legal online gambling to an end.
What Licences Should I Trust?
Since players don’t have access to online casinos licensed in Russia, they will have to opt for casinos registered in offshore jurisdictions. Licences from the UK and those of Swedish casinos are super secure, but they are usually reserved players from those countries.
Even so, the best online casinos that accept players from Russia should have a licence from one of the three following jurisdictions:
- Malta (Malta Gaming Authority)
- Gibraltar (Remote Gambling – Government of Gibraltar)
- Curaçao (The Curaçao Gaming Control Board)
But why should you trust such casinos?
- They follow strict rules on fairness and responsible gambling.
- They are known to pay players what they are owed in the agreed timeframe.
- They are answerable to jurisdictions other than Russia, so they are not likely to divulge your information to the Russian authorities.
Games at Russian Online Casino
The best online casinos in Russia will stock a whole myriad of real-money casino games. Most of these can be played for free as well as for real money, but we recommend confirming this with your casino before signing up.
Any Russian online casino will have hundreds or even thousands of online real money slots to play. But it gets better: these games give you the chance of winning a huge jackpot prize, which can go up to thousands of times your wager.
These slots are among the easiest casino games to understand and play since there is no strategy involved. Even so, it is important to understand the mechanics of each slot game, such as the volatility and RTP.
Bitcoin has been rising in value while simultaneously becoming a popular payment method for Russian players due to its safety and anonymity features.
The top online casinos will have a number of Bitcoin-specific slots, which you can play without having to exchange your cryptocurrency for fiat money.
Moreover, these games come with provably fair software that adds an added layer of safety to your gameplay.
Live dealer casino products are popular across the world, and allows you to play all your favourite table games, like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, as well as game shows, in real time.
These games will be overseen by a real-life dealer who will communicate with you and make sure things go smoothly. To play, all you need to do is confirm that you have a stable internet connection.
Poker may be one of the harder casino games to understand, but many Russians still look for it at both online and mobile casinos.
The majority of players across the globe prefer to play poker in a live setting, so you will find many such poker games. Nevertheless, poker games played against a computer are usually available, too.
Wherever there is a casino, roulette is surely to feature, and there are different variants of the game including the European, American, and French roulettes.
But online casinos have other varieties, too, including live ones, and ones that accelerate the gameplay, like Lightning Roulette by Evolution Gaming. No matter which version you choose, the basic rules are the same: try to guess which number on the wheel (1 to 26) the ball will land on.
Blackjack is a popular card game among Russian players, which requires you to acquire a hand that totals higher than the dealer’s, but which doesn't exceed 21.
Depending on the Russian online casino you join, you may also find other casino games on offer.
These can include numerous Asian favourites, like online versions of pachinko, sic bo and Yee Hah Hi dice games, Pai Gow Poker, the roulette-like Fan Tan, as well as various versions of the baccarat card game.
Payment Methods at Online Casinos Russia
When it comes to funding your account at any Russian online casinos, we recommend using one of the best casino deposit methods, which are safe and keep your information off your bank statements.
For that reason, credit or debit cards (including Visa and Mastercard) and bank transfers should not be used. At this point, the QIWI Wallet is no longer available. Here is what you should use instead:
WebMoney is a particularly renowned service in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe — in fact, it’s got 40 million active users! What makes this service particularly unique is its ‘purses’ functionality, which allows you to store different assets on it.
For example, electronic money, crypto, and gold are assets held by a Guarantor, which provides the utmost protection of your funds in case of liquidation or fraud.
WebMoney has a dedicated mobile application, quick transfer times, and low fees. Moreover, while the number of casinos that currently accept it is rather limited, casino sites that accept Russian players are more likely to have it.
Formerly known as Yandex.Money, this electronic payment service is the second largest of its type in Russia.
The service is rather simple in that it creates a virtual card you can use to buy anything online , including online gambling services. The best part is that all you need to set up your YooMoney account is a phone number and email address. Once the card is issued, you can use it just as you would a normal credit card, and even add it to your Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone.
Cryptocoin casinos have been on the rise for a few years now, which should come as no surprise. With cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (used in Bitcoin casinos) increasing in value and notoriety, it’s only natural that more people are investing in, and using, these digital currencies.
The best part of most cryptocurrencies is that any transactions made through them are practically anonymous, with only your public wallet number showing.
There are many types of cryptocurrencies out there as well as numerous casinos that accept them. To use any of the particular currencies, you will need a crypto wallet like CoinsPaid.
Bonuses at Online Casinos Russia
Players joining the best online casinos Russia will usually be presented with many of the best online casino bonuses. Do read the terms and conditions before signing up to ensure you are eligible and that the payment method you’ll be using won’t disqualify you.
| Best Casino Offers | Casino | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Best Welcome Bonus in Russian Ruble | Tsars Casino | ₽170,000 + 200 Free Spins |
| Best Welcome Bonus Overall | bitStarz Casino | ₽50,000 or 5BTC + 180 Free Spins |
| Best Cryptocurrency Bonus | Katsubet | 5 BTC + 200 Free Spins |
| Best Free Spins Bonus | Tsars Casino | ₽170,000 + 200 Free Spins |
| Best Cashback Bonus | Bitcasino.io | 20% Cashback Up To 25,000USDT |
| Best Loyalty Programme | Bitcasino.io | Cashback, Free Spins, Instant Rewards |
Casino sign-up bonuses are among the most common and popular bonuses at both online and mobile casinos. These normally take the shape of matches on your first or even subsequent deposits (for example, a 100% match bonus or 200% match bonus up to a certain amount).
Free spins are another popular type of bonus. As the name suggests, these allow you to try out pre-selected video slots for free. Some have no wagering requirements, meaning that you actually get to keep your winnings without having to wager it again.
A reload bonus is when the casino gives you free spins or matches the amount you deposit up to a certain amount on your second, third, or fourth deposits, either as part of the welcome bonus you receive from the best online casinos, or else as a stand-alone offer.
Cashback bonuses see your casino give you a percentage of your net losses or deposit money back, with 5-15% being the usual figure. This is a great way of ensuring that you never fully outspend your budget.
A VIP bonus may be offered to high-rollers at online casinos in Russia. Your VIP status depends on the number of points that you acquire by depositing and playing money.
The higher your status, the bigger the rewards. These can include bonuses and higher cashback rates, as well as free trips, tickets to events, and gifts. The most exclusive VIP casino clubs are invitation-only affairs.
Some casinos have loyalty programmes where players who deposit and play often receive points. These can then be redeemed for loyalty bonuses or even perks.
This very rare type of bonus will see you receive either a small sum of money or free spins without having to make a deposit. Even so, such offers usually come with higher wagering requirements.
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing an Online Casino in Russia
No matter where you’re playing from, joining an online casino needs to be taken seriously, particularly as you’ll be divulging personal details to the brand.
The casino sites mentioned in our review have all been vetted by us to ensure they are legal, licensed, and that they will take care of you. However, if you’d like to do your own research, the following aspects are of utmost importance.
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Security
On top of having a licence from a reputable jurisdiction, always make sure that the casino has SSL-encryption and takes responsible gambling seriously.
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Customer Support
While often overlooked, this feature is extremely important. Having someone you can speak to about the services offered or any problems that may arise will make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
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Currency
There are some casinos that accept deposits in Russian Rubles, and others that allow you to make withdrawals in the same currency. Nevertheless, you should confirm this beforehand, particularly as having to exchange your money to euro or US dollar could cost you extra.
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Language
If you’re looking to play casino games in your native language, then you’ll be happy to know that some of the larger casino brands are available in Russian. Alternatively, English is the standard language at most online casinos.
Play at 7Bit Casino – a Russian-language casinoHow To Play at an Online Casino in Russia
Joining one of the best online casinos in Russia only involves following a few simple steps before you can start playing:
- Choose a trusted casino Russia and head to the site.
- Read the terms and conditions for the website and for the bonus they offer.
- Register by entering any details required.
- Once your account has been created, it is then possible to make your first deposit.
- That’s it! You can now claim your casino bonus and start playing all your favourite games.
The Future of Online Casinos in Russia
It seems unlikely that the country will legalise and regularise online casinos in the near future. Nevertheless, the rise of Bitcoin casinos in Russia should make it easier for citizens to play online in a safe manner.
Russian Online Casino Conclusion
While playing at an online casino in Russia remains illegal, brands registered in offshore jurisdictions have made it easier for locals to enjoy online gambling. As always, be cautious when doing so!
FAQs
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No, a Russian Supreme Court ruling in 2012 made it clear that online gambling in or from Russia is illegal. Nevertheless, many players from the country opt for offshore registered casinos, instead — which, while still illegal, will usually not land them in trouble.
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Our above list has legal and licensed casino brands that you can join with relative peace of mind.
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Yes, most online casinos Russia will give you access to one or more bonuses. Of course, always check the terms and conditions of the casino and bonus to ensure you are eligible.
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The legal gambling age in Russia is 18. We certainly do not recommend gambling online or otherwise if you are younger than this. Trustworthy casinos will also not allow it.
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While the Russian government taxes winnings from gambling, this is usually for land-based casinos or else sports betting online. Since gambling online is illegal, you should not be taxed on your winnings at a Russian online casino.
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We recommend using WebMoney, cryptocurrencies, or YooMoney to safely and easily make a deposit to the top online casinos in Russia. Never use your bank account or credit/debit card details.
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You can do so easily by using the same payment methods you use to deposit. Never use your bank account or credit/debit card details.
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Joining an online, live, or mobile casino in Russia is usually free of charge. The minimum deposit accepted is normally around ₽825 or €10.
Iggy Fenech
