With changes in Russia's laws, Moscow is flooded with gambling arcades, gaming rooms, and casinos. Casino Angara in the center of Moscow has 32 tables and 69 slot machines, as well as arm-wrestling and cock fighting.
The casino imitates a 19th century gentleman’s club. Casino Angara is decorated with red carpeting and dark wood, and the high-rollers rooms are called “The Study” and “The library.” Casino Angara is one of 58 casinos in Moscow.
Since the law changed in 2002, 28 new casinos have opened, and 50,000 slot machines, bringing the total number to 70,000. The federal agency for development of sports and culture can currently issue as many gambling licenses as it chooses, with no authority in decisions from city governments. With licenses costing about $50 each, and the monthly returns of $700-$1000 per slot machine, it’s not surprising that many Russian entrepreneurs are entering the casino business. At the current rate, Moscow is expected to have 100,000 slot machines within two years.
Many government officials, however, are concerned at the explosion of gambling. Lawmakers in Moscow’s state parliament have proposed a law which would limit each of the 120 regions of Moscow to four casino establishments, and allow eight casinos in the center of the city.