The Russian Orthodox Church, with a mixed reputation, has assumed a moral stance by criticizing a minister’s proposal to legalize online gambling in occupied Ukrainian territories and Russia. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov suggested the idea to boost Russia’s economy, struggling due to the war, with hopes of generating at least $1.3 billion annually through gambling taxes. However, Deputy Head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Synodal Department, Vakhtang Kipshidze, opposed the proposal, citing concerns about worsening social issues, like gambling addiction, and suggested the government combat existing illegal gambling. Clergy also argued that a nation aiming to uphold “traditional values,” central to Russia’s cultural opposition against the West, should maintain these principles. Meanwhile, Ukraine suspects many online casinos in the country of having ties to Russia and supporting its war efforts, prompting Ukraine to initiate significant gambling reforms to reduce such sites.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com