Russia’s online sports betting operators have received a temporary reprieve from proposed regulatory changes, holding out hope that the government will come to its senses while the sector is still viable. 

Tuesday (22) was the scheduled deadline for Russian legislators to submit amendments to Bill No. 1055657-7, the controversial new legislation that aims to (a) dramatically hike Russian bookmakers’ contributions to local sports, (b) eliminate two betting industry associations, (c) create a new Unified Gambling Regulator and (d) establish a single hub for online betting payments. 

However, on Monday the Rossiyskaya Gazeta revealed that that the Ministry of Finance – to which the new unified regulator will report – had proposed extending the amendment deadline until January 22. So Russian bookies will at least get to enjoy the status quo until well after Orthodox Christmas (January 7). 

The bill was approved in its first reading earlier this month, but the Ministry is reportedly responding to concerns from both the betting industry and some government deputies that the significant upheaval proposed in the bill requires more stakeholder input before proceeding further.