BetVictor withdraws all Russian betting services

UK independent bookmaker BetVictor, has confirmed that it will no longer service players, transactions and wagers from the Russian Federation.

Last week the bookmaker sent a customer communication informing players of its decision to suspend its Russian betting services. The bookmaker has moved to close all Russian customer accounts, requesting that affected players withdraw all remaining funds and balances.

The Gibraltar-based bookmaker’s decision to withdraw from the market follows last week’s news that Russian government authorities would step up their efforts in penalising ‘unlicensed’ bookmakers targeting national consumers.

The Russian Ministry of Finance is reported to be targeting further digital restrictions to international banks and online payment providers servicing unlicensed operator transactions.

Throughout 2016, Russian Media regulator Roskomnadzor has grown its blacklist of European operators deemed to be breaching Russian gambling regulations, with the authority IP blocking the websites of Unibet, Bwin, Triobet , Favbet and several others.

At present, BetVictor management has made no official comment on its withdrawal of Russian betting services.