The Evolution of Commercial Game Regulation in Russia

The regulation of commercial games in Russia has a long and complex history, marked by both prohibitions and acceptance. The first documented attempts to regulate games date back to 1280, with church documents prohibiting clergy from playing certain games such as tavlei, leki, and chess.

In the 16th century, Russia saw the introduction of playing cards, becoming a significant market for European card manufacturers. However, the Stoglav, a significant state act from 1551, included a chapter dedicated to games, equating participation and attendance as punishable offenses without distinguishing between gambling and non-gambling games.

Peter I's decree of 1717 banned all games, imposing a triple monetary fine on violators. However, during the reign of Anna Ioannovna, games gained a sociocultural status, becoming a favored pastime among the court society. Under Elizabeth Petrovna, a decree from 1761 classified games into 'prohibited' and 'allowed' categories, with the latter being permissible in noble homes for entertainment and small stakes.