Russia’s legal gambling zones anticipate 100,000 visitors during May holiday surge

Russia’s four legal gambling zones are preparing for a surge in tourism this May, with more than 100,000 visitors expected during the country’s extended public holiday period, according to industry estimates.

The May Holidays, which include Labor Day and Victory Day, will see two clusters of consecutive days off this year, separated by only three working days. Many companies are allowing staff to take paid leave during this gap, effectively giving workers up to 11 days of vacation.

The Association of Entertainment and Event Tourism Operators, which represents all licensed casinos in Russia’s gambling zones, projects this year’s footfall will exceed the 95,800 visitors recorded during the same period in 2024. Several operators are forecasting a 10% rise in visitor numbers, driven by expanded entertainment offerings and facility upgrades.

In response, gambling zones have expanded their entertainment programs, the Kommersant newspaper reported.

Kaliningrad’s Sobranie Casino in the Yantarnaya zone is anticipating around 20,000 guests — a 25% increase over last year. The venue will host a major international poker tournament and a lineup of concerts and entertainment events to mark the holiday.

In Altai Krai’s Siberian Coin gambling zone, the Altai Palace Casino is also expecting a 10% rise in attendance. Management credits the growth to new amenities such as heated outdoor pools and expanded leisure facilities aimed at attracting non-gamblers.

Sochi’s Krasnaya Polyana resort expects to match its 2024 figures of around 35,000 visitors. The casino complex has shifted its focus toward lifestyle tourism this year, offering gourmet dining events, music concerts, and themed festivals to appeal to a broader audience.

The fourth legal gambling zone, located in Krasnodar Krai, is also aiming to match or slightly exceed its previous year’s holiday turnout.

The positive projections come as several of the zones’ casinos work on major upgrades for 2025 and beyond. The Yantarnaya zone is planning a 22.6 billion ruble ($274 million) expansion into the nearby village of Kulikovo, while Altai Palace has announced plans for two new hotels, ski slopes, and other resort upgrades, with completion targeted for 2027.