Along with a number of other controversial moves in recent years, Russia has begun blocking access to online poker for citizens.
Many operators of the most popular online poker sites have, in return, withdrawn from the country, taking with them all revenues the Russian government was taking from the industry.
Website operators stated that the cost of staying open in Russia was far too expensive, especially if the government was going to shut them out.
One of the most popular online poker rooms, called Unibet, has completely shut down their Russian branch, refusing to allow new players from Russian IP addresses as legislation has fallen into place that makes it illegal.
Unibet has sent out an industry-wide memo specifically targeting their partners to encourage that they stop doing business with Russia.
“Unibet has taken the decision to temporarily close registrations from Russia. This means that it will no longer be possible for customers from Russia to sign up on Unibet.com or Maria.com. This change will take place immediately, but will not affect existing customers,” the statement reads. “It will also still be possible for customers to sign up from all other Russian-speaking countries and those markets should not be affected at all. Russia will no longer be listed as an option for country of residence on the registration form of Unibet.com or Maria.com.”
Join the Conversation