Despite the forced closure by police of an illegal casino in Moscow recently, gaming in illegal establishments reportedly continues to thrive in Moscow, St. Petersburg and elsewhere in Russia.

In February, a BBC reporter noted that it was relatively easy to arrange a visit to an illegal casino in Moscow, and that slot arcades were readily available, if not as easily visible as before the July 2009 casino ban.

Anecdotally, some operators utilizing local area networks of computers are said to have tens of thousands of terminals in play.

Russian police colonel Oleg Bolderov of the economic crimes department told the BBC his force had conducted thousands of raids since July.

"We have closed down 70 casinos and 4,000 slot-machine arcades... and have brought 600 criminal cases against those trying to organize illegal gambling," said Bolderov.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.