Russia’s Ministry of Finance Proposes Mandatory Use of Mir Payment System for Gambling Operators
The Ministry of Finance of Russia has put forward a proposal requiring gambling operators to use the Mir national payment system for payment settlements. This move is designed to enhance state control over financial flows within the gambling industry, aiming to increase transparency and secure better taxation compliance. Under the proposed regulation, all gambling businesses would be mandated to connect their payment channels to the Mir system, a step seen as aligning the sector with the broader government strategy to monitor and regulate gambling-related monetary transactions. By standardizing the use of Mir for gambling payments, authorities expect to curtail unauthorized payment methods and ensure operators adhere to fiscal and regulatory obligations. This proposal reflects the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to tighten regulatory oversight in the gambling market, which has faced challenges relating to payment monitoring and tax collection. If implemented, the regulation would mark a significant step in consolidating control over gambling finance by leveraging the nationally managed Mir payment infrastructure.