88% of Russians Have Never Placed a Bet with a Bookmaker
The Public Opinion Foundation conducted a survey on Russians’ attitudes toward gambling, involving 1,500 respondents across 51 regions of the country.
Russians’ Attitudes Toward Gambling
72% of respondents said they have never participated in gambling. Another 11% last gambled more than three years ago. Only 3% did so within the past week.
Betting with bookmakers remains unpopular as well: 88% have never placed a bet and don’t intend to. Just 6% said they have placed bets, and 4% said they might consider it.
When Russians Last Participated in Gambling
| Last time participated | % of respondents |
|---|---|
| Never | 72% |
| More than three years ago | 11% |
| Past week | 3% |
| Past month | 3% |
| Past six months | 2% |
| Past year | 2% |
| Past two years | 1% |
| Past three years | 1% |
| Unsure | 1% |
What Types of Gambling Russians Prefer
Among those who gambled in the past six months, the most popular types were:
- Card, dice, or domino games with friends – 6%
- Buying lottery tickets – 4%
- Sports betting at bookmakers – 1%
- Online casinos and slot machines – less than 1%
Perceived Benefits and Harms of Bookmakers
40% of respondents see bookmakers as purely harmful, while only 1% view them as entirely beneficial. About 20% believe they have both pros and cons.
Perceived Benefits of Bookmakers
| Perceived benefit | % of respondents |
|---|---|
| Chance to win money | 10% |
| Entertainment or excitement | 2% |
| Support for sports | 1% |
| Tax revenue for the budget | 1% |
Perceived Harms of Bookmakers
| Perceived harm | % of respondents |
|---|---|
| Financial loss, debt | 23% |
| Fraud or scams | 14% |
| Gambling addiction | 13% |
| Family breakdown, general harm from gambling | 6% |
Gambling Addiction in Russia
15% of respondents said they personally know someone with a gambling addiction. 78% believe gambling addiction is a disease that requires professional treatment.
12% disagreed with that view, while 2% were unsure.
Conclusion
According to the survey, most Russians are cautious toward gambling. The overwhelming majority avoid it entirely and have no plans to place bets in the future.
Bookmakers are widely distrusted, with many associating them with harm, financial loss, and addiction.
At the same time, a small portion of respondents recognize the potential for monetary gain as a possible benefit.
The survey was conducted from June 13 to 15, 2025. The margin of error does not exceed 3.6%.