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Poker No Longer Considered a Sport in Russia
Community & StoriesJuly 21, 2009·1 min read

Poker No Longer Considered a Sport in Russia


Poker has been removed from the list of sports in Russia. The General Prosecutor of the Russian Federation and the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation ordered the authorities to completely stop illegal gambling activities in Russia, including those conducted through the Internet, poker clubs and lottery machines.

Vitaly Mutko, the head of the Ministry of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy, stated that poker is no longer considered a sport. This decision has sparked discussions and analyses across various platforms, from the Federation of Poker's website to local newspapers like 'Permskie Sosedi'.

Despite the ban, American players continue to excel in major online tournaments. The future of poker in Russia remains uncertain, but enthusiasts are determined to keep playing.

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Argus Riven

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Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

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