Bookmakers continue to come under pressure
Last week we reported that the State Duma deputies adopted amendments tightening supervision and control over bookmakers. In particular, they stipulated that companies registered in offshore zones and not disclosing financial information to the relevant Russian organizations would not be able to operate in the country. It seems that the authorities have decided to seriously address issues related to bookmakers, as they did not stop there. Today it became known that the second hearing of the new bill, which will further tighten the rules for the operation of bookmakers, is scheduled for July 21.
This bill was registered back in February 2019. However, its consideration was scheduled for the beginning of this year. Due to the well-known events related to quarantine measures, the first reading of the new bill took place in May of this year, where it was partially adopted. If the bill successfully passes the second reading, then bookmakers will have a serious decrease in income, since today, in addition to sports betting, they can register the following bets:
- on various trends in the development of world events;
- events related to pop performers;
- political debates and shows;
- weather forecasts, etc.
After the bill is adopted, bookmakers operating in the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation will be able to accept only bets on sporting events and outcomes. Incidentally, something similar was already proposed several years ago, but the deputies at that time did not dare to infringe on the interests of bookmakers.
In addition, bookmaker owners may face other difficulties. For example, today companies that received a license before 2010 do not have to receive documents confirming bank guarantees of solvency. If the bill is adopted (and there is no doubt about it), everyone will have to receive such guarantees without any exceptions.
