MOSCOW, April 16 (RAPSI) -  The possibility of establishing a gambling area in Crimea is currently being discussed. However, if positive, the decision will fully comply with the gaming zone law. There will be no “gaming machines on every corner,” Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said during the Government Hour at the Federation Council.

Gambling casinos were banned in Russia on July 1, 2009, with the exception of specifically designated areas. Currently, there is one gambling area, on the border of the Krasnodar Territory and the Rostov Region. Three more areas are being built, one each in the Kaliningrad Region, the Altai and the Primorye territories.

A gambling area in Crimea was discussed on March 21 at a Government meeting chaired by Kozak. Crimean officials supported the initiative. Last Tuesday, the Ministry for Regional Development suggested legalizing gambling casinos in five-star hotels in Crimea and Sevastopol, which would be outside the four designated gaming zones.

Kozak clarified that if the decision is to establish a gaming area in Crimea, “a deserted, undeveloped area” will be chosen for that purpose. The deputy prime minister said the gambling business would not be a key growth project for Crimea. It would only be one option.

Crimea and Sevastopol were included in Russian territory after the March 16 referendum in which the majority of local residents voted for joining Russia.