In 2025, the online casino market in the CIS countries is undergoing serious transformations under pressure from the West - sanctions imposed against Russia and mechanisms for bypassing blockages using VPN. These events are radically changing payment models, player behavior and operator strategy. In this article, we will analyze how restrictions on banking transactions and the growing popularity of VPNs affect the industry, what alternative solutions users find and how the market landscape is changing as a whole.
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Sanctions and their impact on payment systems
Restrictions on interbank transfers
After the start of large-scale sanctions by the US, EU and a number of other countries against key Russian banks, access to the international payment systems Visa and Mastercard was seriously reduced - their Russian entities were disconnected from the networks back in 2022-2023, and in 2025 this trend only intensified.
Ban on SWIFT and other channels
In addition to the "big four" (Visa, Mastercard, SWIFT, American Express), local providers of electronic transfers have also fallen under sanctions. Reuters reports that cross-border restrictions and blocking of settlement accounts abroad create critical disruptions in transfers for the end user.
Reaction of CIS government agencies
In response to the “sanctions shock,” regulators Russia and a number of neighboring countries have tightened controls on illegal payment channels. The Central Bank of Russia, together with Rosfinmonitoring, introduced a database of “cash mules” — individuals through whom suspicious transactions in favor of offshore casinos are carried out.
VPN as the main tool for bypassing blockages
VPN Usage Statistics
According to a report from Verizon, VPN traffic grew to 22% of total traffic on home and business devices in the first half of 2025, up from 3% a year ago. This exponential growth reflects not only the rise of remote work, but also efforts to CIS players to bypass regional bans on online casinos.
Best VPNs for Gambling
Service ratings VPNs specifically for betting are led by NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. They provide stable connections, minimal latency, and a strict no-logs policy, which is critical for user security and anonymity in an environment of intense monitoring.
Technical barriers and DNS blocking
Despite the capabilities of VPNs, some providers and regulators implement DNS blocking and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) systems to identify and filter VPN traffic. This leads to an arms race between developers of workarounds and control services, which affects the quality and speed of the connection.
Transition to cryptocurrency payments
The rise of crypto payments in gambling
Due to restrictions on fiat channels, operators have increased integration with cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins (USDT, USDC). Crypto transactions allow to avoid sanctions and blocking by banks.
Risks and benefits
Pros of crypto payments: high speed, decentralization, anonymity. Cons: exchange rate volatility and difficulties with withdrawals through local exchangers, where fees are often inflated.
How Player Behavior Changes
The rise of mobile gambling
Mobile applications VPN-adapted casinos are becoming increasingly popular: Players prefer quick access without complex browser settings.
Increasing the share of bets via P2P platforms
Peer-to-peer exchangers and decentralized exchanges offer cryptocurrency exchange without intermediaries, which reduces the risks of blocking and commissions. In 2025, their turnover in the CIS increased by 35 % compared to last year.
Reaction of operators and regulators
Development of "white" solutions
Part legal casinos implements its own VPN clients and applications with bypassing blocking "out of the box", offering users a single tool for access.
Legislative adaptation
Amendments to simplify the procedure are being discussed in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan registration and licensing of online casinos provided that they ensure local settlements in tenge and sum without going through sanctioned channels.
Key findings and forecasts
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Sanctions continue to put pressure on international payment systems, which leads to the need to bypass blockages and search for alternative channels.
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VPN remains a key mechanism for accessing foreign casinos, however, regulators are actively implementing filtering and DPI methods.
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Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular, but are associated with volatility risks and withdrawal difficulties.
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Operators adapt: offer “built-in” VPN solutions, completely switch to local licenses and develop hybrid operating models.
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CIS Regulators are gradually adopting specialized laws to legalize remote gambling, subject to strict control over payments within countries.
In 2025, we will see further “hybridization” of the market: a combination of fiat, crypto and VPN solutions, tighter controls and growing demand for new anti-blocking technologies. Understanding these processes is the key to success for both players and industry operators.
