The unlicensed online gambling segment in Russia accounted for 40 percent of market demand in June 2026. This represents the lowest recorded share since 2018, according to Blask data.
Market Volume and Operator Shifts
Licensed bookmakers increased their market presence from 52.8 percent in January to 60 percent in June. The unlicensed segment previously held a 47 percent share at the start of 2026. Overall segment volume continues to decline, falling from $839M in January 2024 to $442M in August 2025, and reaching $316M by June 2026.Blask identifies three primary factors driving the contraction: evolving player behavior, intensified regulatory action against drop schemes, and the license revocation of Qiwi Bank, which limited deposit and withdrawal methods. Unlicensed operators still control a notable portion of the Russian online gambling landscape.
First-half 2026 figures show players moving toward licensed platforms at a faster pace than in earlier periods.