The Russian parliament has voted to increase fines and jail time for those involved in illegal gambling.
RiaNovosti reports that the amendments to the gambling law were proposed by President Dmitry Medvedev (l.) in April. The penalties include higher fines for individuals and companies found guilty of involvement with illegal gambling and boost jail terms to as much as six years for organizing an illegal venue.
Police have closed hundreds of illegal casinos in recent months.
In the Moscow region, senior prosecutors were fired three months ago for their alleged role in allowing illegal gambling operations to persist.
