Russian Expert: Casinos at New Siberian Gambling Zone Will Be “On Par With Macao”

(AsiaGameHub) –   Russia’s new Siberian gambling zone will feature casinos that will rival those in Macao, according to a leading political scientist.

The expert said it was significant that the zone in the Altai Republic is being backed by Sberbank chief Herman Gref.

Gref, a former government minister, is one of the most powerful and influential members of the Russian business community.

Sberbank has a market cap of around $92 billion and is Russia’s largest financial group.

“The decision [to create the zone] is a testament to the significant lobbying power of Gref and the Altai Governor Andrey Turchak,” the political scientist Andrey Kuznetsov told the Russian media outlet NGS 42.

“Gref will be responsible for developing the gambling zone. He will be drawing on the best international practices,” Kuznetsov added.

The expert said that judging by Sberbank’s approach to developing its resorts, the firm would not be “skimping on investment.”

“The casinos [in the new zone] will be on par with Macao, and much better than those in neighboring Altai Krai,” said Kuznetsov.

New Siberian Casino Hub

On May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law establishing the sixth gambling zone in the Altai Republic. This law comes into effect on May 12.

Siberia is already home to the Siberian Coin gambling zone. The Kremlin has also previously approved gambling zones in Krasnodar, Primorsky Krai, Kaliningrad, and Crimea.

Advocates of the new gambling zone have been lobbying for approval since mid-October 2025.

Betting industry insiders have criticized the plans, arguing that Siberia is too remote to attract most patrons and suggesting that zones closer to major cities like Moscow would be more viable.

However, the Ministry of Finance maintains that the zone is part of a regional development strategy aimed at generating employment opportunities for local residents.

NGS 42 reported that the Sberbank-operated resort in Manzherok confirmed the gambling zone would be developed around its facilities.

Manzherok is situated along the Katun River, which forms the border between the Altai Republic and Altai Krai.

Sberbank renovated the resort in 2023, now featuring a five-star hotel and year-round ski slopes. Resort staff declined to comment on the anticipated opening date for the first casinos in Manzherok.

Chinese Visitors: Russian Casinos Prime Target?

Kuznetsov indicated that residents of the Altai Republic could expect increased tourism from China, alongside growth in domestic travel.

Nevertheless, he noted several practical challenges that might hinder these plans, including “electricity shortages due to insufficient gas infrastructure” and “challenges in implementing sewerage systems in rural areas.”

Other experts expressed mixed views on how the introduction of the new Altai Republic zone would impact Siberian Coin. Manzherok lies approximately 70 kilometers from Siberian Coin.

Igor Myakishev, a real estate specialist based in the Altai mountain region, suggested that tourists would prefer the newer destination.

“In terms of infrastructure, Siberian Coin falls short because its hotels offer more basic accommodations,” Myakishev explained. “Manzherok provides a luxury, five-star experience.”

But Eduard Kolozhvari, an Associate Professor in the financial department at Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, disagreed.

Kolozhvari argued that the majority of visitors to both zones would consist of Chinese tourists.

While some travelers may seek high-end lodging, others will look for more affordable options, the academic concluded.

A Footfall Boost

Siberian Coin has experienced year-over-year revenue growth as visitor numbers and income continue to rise.

The Kremlin continues to consider a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to legalize online casinos. Industry participants describe such a move as a “much-needed breath of fresh air” for Russian businesses.

Under the ministry’s plan, operators would be taxed at an annual rate equal to 30% of their profits, after subtracting winnings payouts.