The Siberian Coin Gambling Zone

The Siberian Coin Gambling Zone is one of Russia's officially designated gambling zones, created to concentrate legal gambling activities in specific, often remote, areas. It is situated in the foothills of the Altai Mountains, near the border with China and Kazakhstan, and serves as the only territory in Siberia where gambling is permitted. The Russian government established the zone to develop these underdeveloped regions through tourism and investment.

The primary gambling establishment within the Siberian Coin Gambling Zone is the Altai Palace casino. Visitors can expect to find a range of classic casino games, including various slot machines and table games such as roulette and poker. Beyond the main casino offerings, the wider zone is planned to include a variety of entertainment options.

Yes, visitors to the Siberian Coin Gambling Zone have accommodation options. The Altai Palace complex itself includes a 4-star hotel. Additionally, there are other tourist complexes located within a 15-to 20-minute drive from the gambling zone, providing further options for guests. Future development plans for the zone include the addition of hotels and villas that are integrated into the natural landscape.

According to current Russian regulations, the legal gambling age is 18 years old. While specific entry requirements beyond age for the Siberian Coin Gambling Zone are not widely publicized, it can be assumed that standard identification may be required for entry into the casino facilities, consistent with international gambling regulations.

Gambling in Russia has undergone significant changes in its legal status. Historically, it was popular, but after the Socialist Revolution, it was broadly condemned. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, gambling flourished again, leading to a proliferation of casinos across the country. However, in 2006, concerned about illegal operations, tax evasion, and social issues, the Russian government under President Vladimir Putin enacted Federal Law No. 244-FZ. This law banned most gambling activities across Russia, confining them to a few specially designated "gambling zones." The Siberian Coin Gambling Zone, along with others in Kaliningrad, Primorye, and Krasnodar (later Sochi), was established as part of this policy to centralize and regulate the industry, with the aim of developing these areas economically. The Altai Palace casino, the first and smallest in the Siberian Coin zone, began operations in 2014.