altar-based independent bookmaker BetVictor recently sent a customer communication informing players of its decision to suspend service, transactions and wagers from the Russian Federation.

Recommending that affected players withdraw all remaining funds and balances, BetVictor has made efforts to close all Russian customer accounts.

The bookmaker’s decided to withdraw from the market following the announcement that Russian government authorities plan to increase their efforts in penalising ‘unlicensed’ bookmakers targeting Russian consumers.

It has been reported that the Russian Ministry of Finance is targeting further digital restrictions to international banks and online payment providers mediating unlicensed operator transactions.

Roskomnadzor, Russian Media regulator, has grown its blacklist of European operators deemed to be breaching Russian gambling regulations throughout 2016. Authorities have IP blocked Unibet, Bwin, Triobet , Favbet and several other websites.