The government of Russia has been asked by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to force bookmakers to be sponsors of sporting events when the sportsmen of Russian origin are taking part. The new law should be introduced by the government on the 1st of June.

Documents released by the Kremlin website state that the federal bill requiring sponsorship would establish duties of the organizers of gambling activities in the offices of bookmakers and betting terminals to channel a portion of their revenues from sports wagers towards sponsoring Russian athletes and teams. The manner of sponsorship required would be determined by the Russian Federation.

On December 8th, the Presidential Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport was in session, discussing the issue at hand. Vitaliy Mutko is the Sports Minister of Russia who stated that bookmakers and betting shops were paying basically nothing towards the budget and they should be paying towards those who have helped them earn money.