Wagers from Russian and Belarusian individuals continue to be prohibited following a ban that has lasted for three years.

Unyielding U.S. Sportsbook Ban on Russian and Belarusian Betting Markets Stoirs Uncertainty

In Denver, three long years later, American sportsbooks stubbornly maintain an ban on betting relating to athletes, teams, and events from Russia and Belarus. Despite no changes to the regulation books, punters continue to be deprived of wagering opportunities in these disputed markets, leaving many within the industry seeking the return of Russian and Belarusian odds to the betting landscape.

Regulatory Stagnation Upkeeps the Ban

The Colorado Division of Gaming, one of the most robust regulated sports betting markets in the U.S., stands firm on its stance. A spokesperson for the division confirmed to our website that there had been no shift in the status quo, stating:

"We've yet to receive further instructions from the executive director’s office on this matter (since Industry Bulletin #10 was published.) Currently, there's been no alteration to the allowance of Russian and Belarusian governing bodies, leagues, teams, players, and events wagering in Colorado."

This conservationist approach towards regulation mirrors the strategy taken by other states with legal sports betting, most of which implemented similar bans following Russia's incursion into Ukraine in early 2022. These constraints were established not only as a symbolic statement against the hostilities but also due to concerns over the integrity of Russian and Belarusian sports, given the controlling nature of state-controlled entities within various leagues.

Awaiting the Lifting of the BanControversy Over Relaxing Regulations

Despite geopolitical advancements, including discussions of potential ceasefire negotiations between Russia and the U.S., sportsbook operators and regulatory bodies remain hesitant to reconsider their policies. The lack of clarity over when the war could conclude adds to hesitance, as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that peace with Russia could be "very, very far away."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s stance, has been reported to have fast-tracked a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. For context, just over a fortnight ago, Donald Trump had -400 odds to meet Putin before April wrapped up.

Although this meeting has fueled speculation about a potential ceasefire agreement, it is uncertain whether such negotiations would immediately affect sports betting regulations.

The return of Russian and Belarusian betting markets hinges on official diplomatic resolutions rather than speculative peace talks. Even if a truce were to be forged in the near future, regulators would still need to reassess if lifting the ban aligns with state policies and international concerns.

For the time being, legal American sportsbooks remain confined by state regulations, leaving bettors in the lurch. While some believe Russian and Belarusian odds could resurface within a couple of months of a formal peace settlement, others contend that geopolitical strains, economic sanctions, and concerns over match-fixing could extend the ban indefinitely.

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Michael Molter

After scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael transitioned into writing, focusing on NBA content. As an alumnus of both institutions, he now covers the intricacies of legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews.

Michael enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and kayaking when not glued to the TV watching lower-tier tennis matches.

In contrast to the ongoing ban on Russian and Belarusian betting markets, sportsbooks in states like Colorado adhere strictly to the regulatory standards set by the Division of Gaming.
The Colorado Division of Gaming, after three years, hasn't received any new instructions regarding the ban on wagers related to athletes, teams, and events from Russia and Belarus.
American sportsbooks, along with other states with legal sports betting, continue to uphold the ban on Russian and Belarusian sports betting, a move initially taken post-Ukraine incursion.
Given the unpredictable nature of the ongoing war and President Zelenskyy's comments on peace, sportsbook operators and regulatory bodies remain reluctant to change their policies on Russian and Belarusian sports betting.
In a move that has sparked speculation, former U.S. President Trump is reported to have fast-tracked a meeting with Putin, which has -400 odds of taking place before April ends.
The return of Russian and Belarusian betting markets depends on official diplomatic resolutions rather than speculative peace talks, despiteTrump's potential meeting with Putin.
If a truce were to be forged in the near future, regulators would need to reassess the ban's alignment with state policies and international concerns before they could lift it.
Due to state regulations, American sportsbooks continue to be confined, leaving bettors frustrated, with some predicting the return of Russian and Belarusian odds within a couple of months of a formal peace settlement, while others expect the ban to stay for an indefinite period.

Wagers from Russian and Belarusian individuals continue to be prohibited following a ban that has lasted for three years.