Russia fines Yandex over betting ads

Through the Federal Antimonopoly Service, Russia found Yandex guilty of betting ads and may fine the company up to €7k.

Russia.- The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has found Yandex guilty of advertising gambling companies. They are pushing a case that may end up in a €7k fine.

According to the watchdog for Russia, betting ads showed in Yandex’ searches. That’s why it ordered the company to rectify its violation. The body also submitted materials and will open an administrative case. 

The body has a Department for Control over Advertising and Unfair Competition and found illegal betting ads in Russia. They involved two bookmakers’ offices: 1xstavka and LEON.

PokerStars will advertise betting services in Russia

The Stars Group, owner of PokerStars, will launch a campaign on the television channel UFC in Russia. CEO Rafi Ashkenazi announced the news at a conference call with analysts.

Ashkenazi said that the company plans to file an application with the Russian Federal Tax Service for a bookmaker licence for the PokerStars Sports brand. He believes that these measures will help improve the current situation of the Russian market.

Russia is a key market for PokerStars but they don’t have a legal licence in the territory to conduct gambling. Back in 2014, the local gambling regulator Roskomnadzor blocked the operator’s website.

A source familiar with UFC Sports Channel confirmed that the Stars Group has marketing ambitions to promote its services related to the UFC channel.