Russia all set to start off the 2018 FIFA World Cup

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup nearing promptly and only six months away, Russia is all determined to make the online gambling viable.

Russia, demands the online betting punters to register online with a centralised payment hub (TSUPIS) prior to the completion of registration by presenting proof of identity physically at a land-based shop. Seeking to eliminate the said requirements, a draft legislation that the Ministry of Finance introduced states that local bookmakers have “the right to entrust the identification of a gambling participant to the centre for the recording of online betting of bookmakers or sweepstakes, operating in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Law of December 29, 2006 No. 244-FZ.”

During a meeting with the government, fourteen representatives from each licensed online bookmaker articulated their concerns and frustration with the process and they seem to have been successful.

The move follows a meeting earlier this week between government officials and representatives of Russia’s 14 licensed online bookmakers, who expressed frustration with the two-step registration process. According to them, this action not only makes an awkward registration, but it also drives gamblers to internationally-licensed websites that get all the bets for themselves.