MarathonBet starts online Russian operations

MarathonBet, a sports betting company that has two licensed retail outlets in Russia, has extended its operations to the online environment despite rather onerous restrictions that require punters to physically register at a retail betting shop, and hefty tax and mandatory donations to Russian sports bodies.

Through its membership of the local Bookmakers Self-Regulatory Organisation, Marathonbet.ru has access to another regulatory requirement, a central payment hub or TSUPIS.

The Russian market offers solid potential for betting companies with the latest numbers from Bookmaker Ratings estimating total turnover over the past year at roubles 677 billion – roughly US$11.3 billion) with the lion’s share – about roubles 422 billion – wagered online. However, only roubles 148 billion of that was handled by local and licensed Russian operators, suggesting an active illegal market which the Russian authorities are making determined efforts to shut down.

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