The Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made it very clear yesterday that gambling laws changes will go on as planned. And there will be no delays in moving all gambling to the four designated zones in the coming 2 months.

Medvedev said: “It is imperative that these rules go into effect in due time. There will be no revisions, no pushing back despite the lobbying efforts of various businesses, this is the state’s position. You have to control this process, and the activities of gambling establishments must cease on June 30.” The new rules were approved in late 2006, requiring all gambling establishments to move to one of the four zones before 1 July 2009. Casinos are to be closed, and all betting outside the zones will become illegal. A lot of casino owners are opposing the plans, and ask for a delay until 2012. It is well known that Russia receives large tax pays and kickbacks from the casinos, so a lot of bureaucrats want gambling to stay where it is. The online gambling and casino gambling industry has shrunk with 42 % in the first quarter of 2009 indicating a lot of revenue will be lost with the introduction of the gamble areas.