Russia blocks dozens of international and domestic online gambling domains

Russia’s state agency for policing the internet has made good on its threat to block Russian gamblers from accessing unauthorized online gambling sites.

In February, the Roskomnadzor agency announced it would accede to government requests for stronger controls over access to unauthorized internet sites. On Thursday, Bookamersrating.ru reported that Roskomnadzor had blocked a couple dozen online gambling sites belonging to both Russian and international operators.

The blocking began in late September, although most of the domains were blocked over the past couple days. Many of the newly blocked sites belong to familiar international names like 888 Poker, Betway, Bwin.party, JackpotCity, Ladbrokes, Marathon Bet, Pinnacle Sports, Titan Poker and Unibet.

Russian bookmakers weren’t spared, with sites belonging to Favbet, Fonbet, Liga Stavok, TrioBet, Vulkan-Bet and 1xbet also making the grade. According to the official register of banned sites (including non-gaming sites), some online casino affiliate domains – including the Russian version of PokerListings – have also faced the axe. At least one of the affected bookies (Liga Stavok) has reportedly already set up alternate domains to ensure service to the Russian market isn’t interrupted.