A Russian gambling industry chief has criticized a leading lawyer and political activist for suggesting that the Kremlin should impose fines on residents caught using online casinos.

Online casinos are currently illegal in Russia, although gambling online is not considered a criminal offense under the law. Ivan Kurbakov, a lawyer, recently called for fines to be imposed on individuals found using online casinos, sparking controversy within the industry.

The Russian gambling sector is closely monitoring the situation, especially as online casinos continue to operate despite their legal status. The debate surrounding the legality and enforcement of online gambling laws in Russia remains ongoing.