MOSCOW, December 23 (RAPSI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill into law toughening penalties for illegal gambling business, including on the internet. The document was published Tuesday on the government's official legislation portal.

The gambling business in Russia had been banned for almost five years everywhere except for four designated areas, near Vladivostok, in the Altai Territory, in Kaliningrad and on the Azov Sea – Black Sea shore of the Caucasus. In July, Putin signed a bill on creating gambling areas in the republic of Crimea that joined Russia, and Kuban.

Despite the ban, underground casinos and illegal gambling venues are being uncovered and closed all over the country. After the ban, many casinos and venues have operated under the guise of Internet clubs and lotteries.

The current legislation suggests liability for illegal gambling if such activity brings in profits higher than 1.5 million rubles ($26,500).

The law introduces fines of 300,000 ($5,300) to 500,000 rubles ($8,850) or an amount equal to the offender’s income for a period of one to three years for organizing unauthorized gambling including Internet casinos. This crime may be also punishable by up to 240 hours of compulsory community service, restriction of freedom of up to four years or prison term of up to two years.

Moreover, the law introduces fines for unlicensed gambling activities in bookmaker's offices and betting houses outside of government-designated gambling zones and for participating in such activities.