Casino News

Russia launches first casino

2010-02-03 17:22:46

Russia has opened its first legal gambling establishment in Azov City, a gambling zone in the Rostov region that is 60 m away from the nearest city.

The launch of the Oracle casino was attended by approximately 500 people, but only one-fifth appeared to be playing.

Gambling is limited to four zones in the country, with Oracle - operated by the Royal Time Group - having 200 slot machines and ten gaming tables.

The news provider noted that Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar are the two closest populated places to the venue, at 60 m and 120 m respectively.

This could cause problems for the new owners in terms of its ability to attract customers, the information source added.

Valery Saparin, marketing director for casino operator Royal Time, said: "We hope that a lot of people will be drawn to us in the near future."

More than 400,000 individuals were put out of work in the country last year when three gambling laws were passed banning casinos, the Associated Press reports.