The topic of gambling zones is very acute in Russia, because in 2004 the government passed a bill to close all casinos and slot machines in the country, and gambling enthusiasts had no choice but to start playing in the online space.
Gambling zones in Russia
The history of the creation of special zones began in 2006, when the government authorized the operation of casinos in four gambling zones: in the Kaliningrad region, as well as in the Primorsky, Krasnodar and Altai Territories.
That's just in Krasnodar, such a zone was called "Azov City". The gaming zone in Sochi began to be seriously discussed only on the eve of the Olympic Games.
Despite the fact that quite a lot of time has passed, the construction of facilities is progressing very slowly, and in fact in each zone only one to several casinos are ready to work.
So, for example, the Yantarnaya gaming zone began its work only in August this year, and so far with only one casino, and in the Far East only two establishments currently operate. The remaining buildings are under construction.
Nevertheless, even such small successes so far bring tangible benefits to the regions. The fact is that every company that builds a casino not only opens gambling halls, but also creates hotels, recreation complexes, as well as jobs. The gaming zone in Sochi, for example, should also entail the further development of the Krasnodar Territory.
Gambling zone "Azov-City"
In connection with the introduction of a new zone in the Krasnodar Territory, a sad prospect is expected for the establishments located in Azov City. Casinos located here will be forced to close before the end of 2018. Even sadder is the fact that many large companies have already invested in the creation of this gambling zone, and it is one of the few places where gambling people can find refuge.
Nevertheless, as Nikolai Oganezov, a well-known person in the field of gambling, “Azov City”, the casinos in it, from the very beginning, were uncompetitive. Indeed, in Sochi, the conditions are much more favorable, there are more people there, and the city is located closer to Turkey, from where an influx of players is also expected.
Gambling zone in Sochi
The project of such a platform for a casino is called Krasnaya Polyana. It is supposed to open the named complex in the ski area of the resort, since it is there that there are the necessary buildings and infrastructure for opening a casino.
The zone will operate on the territory of the existing Gorki-Gorod ski resort, which previously housed the headquarters of the organizers of the Olympic Games. According to the director of the complex, Elena Zakharova, the opening will depend only on how soon the first operator is chosen. The head is sure that already this winter the first machines will start working.
However, some features of the zone are already known. So, preparing to open more than 500 gaming slots, 70 gaming rooms for card games and even a separate poker club. Around this diversity will be created new hotel venues, conference rooms, cafes and restaurants, as well as additional entertainment facilities.
The opening of such an area is of great strategic importance for the entire region. The fact is that the creation of a gambling zone in Sochi is even more a strategic step, because after the Olympics the city has developed infrastructure that needs to be fully utilized, and this can only be done with the help of tourists.
It is assumed that in Sochi there will be no need for enthusiasts: there are hotels for every taste, ski resorts, various entertainment concerts, attractions, stadiums and, of course, the Black Sea and all its charms. It is planned that the gambling zone in Sochi will make it possible to recoup the investments that were made in the region.
Prospects for gambling zones in the country
To date, the construction of a gambling zone in Sochi is in full swing. It is planned that she should earn next summer, because, in fact, buildings need only internal restructuring. The opening was expected this season, but the preparation was delayed.
The only thing that can confuse casinos in Russia is the government’s plans to introduce a tax of 10% on all their profits. According to experts, this can lead to the fact that the gambling business simply cannot exist. However, so far the increased fees are just talk, and not the fact that they really will begin to act.