Russia unveils new law to punish illegal gambling

According to the Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that would slap stringent punishment for unlawful organisation of gambling. According to the new law, bill, persons who conduct gambling in betting organisations outside special zones or who provide premises for unlawful gambling could receive fines up to 500,000 rubles (US$7,950) and two-year imprisonment.

If such activities are conducted by a group or business, the punishment can go up to a fine of 1,000,000 rubles ($15,900) and four-year imprisonment. If it is an organised betting racket conducting large-scale illegal gambling, the punishment can be more severe – a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles ($23,900) and six-year imprisonment.