Russian Casinos Attracted Record Number of Visitors in 2023

Casinos in Russia attracted a record number of visitors in 2023, reaching 1.5 million people. According to preliminary data from the Association of Operators of the Entertainment Industry and Event Tourism (AIRIS), the growth is attributed to domestic tourism. However, market participants claim that the industry's potential has not yet been exhausted. The operation of casinos in Russia is strictly regulated, and they can only operate in special gambling zones. These include "Primorye," "Siberian Coin," "Amber," and "Krasnaya Polyana." Analysis of data for 2019–2023 provided by AIRIS shows that these zones attracted a record number of visitors in 2023.

Where They Play the Most

The leader in attendance remains "Krasnaya Polyana," which hosted 830.7 thousand guests this year, an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. Tigre de Cristal, a casino in the Primorsky region, ranks second with 337.1 thousand visitors (a 26% increase). Increased attendance is also noted at the Sobranie casino in Kaliningrad (204 thousand, up 10%) and the gambling zone "Siberian Coin" (102 thousand, up 5%). The audience of "Krasnaya Polyana" this year has already exceeded the 2019 record by 13%. It is important to note that the "Golden Coast" gaming zone in Yalta, which was supposed to be launched by the end of 2023, has not yet opened. Bigger, Better, More Exciting: Record Season in Russian Casinos

Bigger, Better, More Exciting: Record Season in Russian Casinos

How Foreigners Visit Russian Casinos

Interestingly, the share of foreign visitors increased this year, especially at Tigre de Cristal casino. In "Primorye," foreigners accounted for 16% of the total visitor flow. Dmitry Anfinogenov, Executive Director of AIRIS, noted that global events such as the pandemic and sanctions are influencing attendance trends in various gambling zones.

What Has Happened to the Gambling Industry in the Last Five Years

Gambling zones in Russia have experienced noticeable fluctuations since 2019, and despite challenges, the industry continues to attract attention. Not only domestic tourism but also changes in the geopolitical situation play an important role, affecting the flow of foreign visitors and the dynamics of the industry as a whole.

Factors Behind the Growth in Casino Attendance

Recent years have been characterized by strengthening the strategy of Russian gambling zones, focusing on "active participation in regional event tourism," as noted by the head of AIRIS, Dmitry Anfinogenov. "With the growing interest in domestic travel, gambling zones began to offer guests a wider range of entertainment options, which became an additional incentive for visits," explains Anfinogenov. He notes that while many visit casinos for gaming, the number of those who come to gambling zones for concerts, gastronomic dinners, sports shows, spa treatments, and business events is constantly growing. Peak of Excitement: Analysis of Attendance in Russian Casinos

Peak of Excitement: Analysis of Attendance in Russian Casinos

Exact data on the revenues of gambling zones not directly related to casinos are not disclosed as of the end of 2023. However, AIRIS statistics indicate that activities not related to gambling games brought the industry 37% more than the previous year. Evgeny Safronov, head of InterMedia agency, believes that the 16% audience growth rate for gambling zones is relative and could have been much more significant. "The potential of the gambling business in Russia is enormous, and in the current situation, growth could reach hundreds of percent," Safronov adds. Safronov explains the high potential of the industry by the fact that before legislative restrictions were introduced in the gambling business in Russia, over 6,000 licenses were issued, and the market turnover was $6 billion. He also suggests that the gambling establishments themselves may not have been adequately prepared for a sharp increase in customer traffic.

How the Budget Earns from Casinos

Regarding taxes, rates depend on several factors, including the region and the scale of the casino. In 2023, AIRIS members paid 2 billion rubles in tax payments, which is 10% more than the previous year. The leader in this regard was the gambling zone "Krasnaya Polyana," which contributed 1.3 billion rubles to the treasury, followed by Tigre de Cristal in the Far East with 513 million rubles, "Siberian Coin" with 179 million rubles, and Sobranie in Kaliningrad with 80 million rubles.