Russian sports betting operators hope for easier sign-up process

Russia’s widely criticised clumsy, three-stage online gambling player registration system is set for a change for the better if new laws are approved by the national Duma (parliament).

Bill 423799-7, which has been the subject of public consultation and is due for presentation in the Duma in June, has a number of changes other than registration that include tighter advertising regulations and licensing validity restrictions, but the provision most anticipated is that which streamlines and makes more convenient the registration process.

At present, would-be online punters have to register with the central payment hubs or TSUPIS, as well as with the online bookmaker. Whilst this can be done online, the player then has to physically present him or herself at a land retail shop or other betting facility in order to prove ID.

The new regulations will permit players to register online with a TSUPIS, which would then have authority to verify the player’s identity and approve him or her for betting, notifying the relevant bookmaker and removing the need for punters to find land-based locations to present their ID.

Whether thie new regulations will be implemented in time for June’s Wold Cup football kick-off is debateable.