Is online poker legal in the CIS in 2025? Laws, risks, blocking and licenses

Earning money from poker in 2025 is possible, but it requires a high level of skill, discipline, and strategy. Poker, unlike games of pure chance and RNG, is a game with elements of strategy, allowing players to earn by using their skills.

Like any gambling activity, poker requires strict adherence to responsible gameplay principles and is primarily a form of entertainment. You can win money by participating in:

1. Cash games - these are regular tables with real money, where players earn from winnings by placing bets during gameplay;
2. Tournaments - competitions with large prize pools are regularly held, including both online and offline tournaments. Successful participation in such events can bring significant winnings.

It’s also important to note that there are certain risks associated with the legalization status of rooms, access restrictions, and possible blocks.

In some CIS countries, international rooms are banned. Internet providers block access to online establishments, and players cannot use their profiles. Let’s also consider other issues users face:

▪️ Lack of licensing. Most international rooms do not have licenses or state oversight and client protection.

▪️ Taxation and legal consequences. In some CIS countries, poker earnings may not be officially recognized as a source of income, which exposes players to possible tax consequences.

▪️ Fraud and phishing. There is a risk of encountering fake sites where attackers try to steal personal data.

▪️ Lack of legal protection. Since resources do not always operate legally, players may face a lack of legal protection in case of delayed payments or account bans.

All these nuances require caution and preparation of alternative methods. It is also important to carefully choose the platforms for betting and withdrawals.

There are several proven ways to bypass blocks:

• VPN - allows you to hide the user’s real location and mask their IP address, providing access to banned sites. Players can choose a server in another country where access to the site is open.
• Proxy servers - similar to VPNs, but they may be less secure. They mask your IP address but do not encrypt traffic as VPNs do.
• Mirrors - alternative domains with the same functionality. If the main resource is unavailable, the mirror remains open.

Some clubs offer downloadable apps. They allow you to bypass blocks, as they are not restricted like desktop versions.

🌐 Russia

The situation with poker in Russia remains complex and contradictory. Although the game is not officially banned, its legal status remains unclear, which creates certain risks for players. Russian authorities actively block international platforms, making it difficult for Russian players to participate.

🌐 Armenia

Armenia is one of the few CIS countries that has officially legalized and regulates online poker. On June 12, 2024, the National Assembly of Armenia adopted the Law “On the Regulation of Gambling Activities” (No. ZR-263). It regulates all types of gambling, including online poker, and aims to protect users’ interests and increase the effectiveness of control.

According to the new legislation, bets in online casinos were increased from 0.175% to 0.35%, and in betting shops - from 0.1% to 0.2%. These changes are aimed at increasing state revenues.

🌐 Kazakhstan

The situation with online poker in Kazakhstan is characterized by uncertainty: the game is not officially banned, but it is also not regulated at the legislative level. This puts Kazakhstan in the “grey zone” category. Currently, there are no widespread blocks in the country. Players freely register and play on international platforms such as PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, and others.

Kazakhstan represents a relatively free environment for online poker. The absence of legislative restrictions and blocks allows participation in international games without serious obstacles.

🌐 Georgia, Ukraine

In Ukraine, online poker has been legalized and regulated since 2020. Over time, the legislation has been updated and changes have come into force aimed at combating gambling addiction, as well as improving the regulation of gambling. Licensing is provided - a separate license for 5 years.

In Georgia, online poker does not have a clear legal status. Although gambling is regulated, online poker is not among the officially permitted activities. Players often spend their leisure time on platforms based on the “sweepstakes” system (for example, GlobalPoker).

❕ The situation with poker in the CIS remains varied. In some states, online poker is legalized; in others, it has an uncertain status, which requires participants to be attentive and cautious when choosing platforms and methods to bypass blocks.

In any case, to ensure safe gameplay and avoid problems with payouts and personal data, you should familiarize yourself with the legal framework of a particular country before registering and choose only licensed establishments for leisure.