The data on the attendance of gambling zones during the January holidays was presented by the Association of Operators of the Entertainment and Event Tourism Industry (AIRIS). In the period from January 1 to January 8, 2025, gambling zones received 97,495 guests, which is a record figure in recent years.
During the past January holidays, the Krasnaya Polyana gambling zone received 37,602 guests, increasing last year's figure by 1.8%. Tigre de Cristal Casino showed a 33% increase in attendance, welcoming 14,986 guests. SOBRANIE Casino also demonstrated a significant increase of 40.3%, welcoming 9,509 guests. The Siberian Coin gambling zone was able to increase the flow of visitors by 5.1%, welcoming 30,583 guests. The Shambala Casino in both gambling zones showed an increase in attendance: in Primorye by 2.1% and in Yantarnaya by 80%, having received 10,024 and 6,797 guests, respectively.
It should be noted separately that the RED ARENA concert and entertainment venue in the Krasnaya Polyana gambling zone received almost 13,800 visitors during the January holidays, more than doubling last year's figure.
The overall statistics on attendance in Russian gambling zones reflect positive dynamics: in 2025, the number of guests during the New Year holidays increased by 11% compared to last year.
AIRIS Executive Director Dmitry Anfinogenov noted that the increase in attendance is due to the comprehensive development of non-gaming leisure activities: “Gambling zones are becoming not only places for gambling, but also multifunctional resorts offering entertainment, gastronomic and cultural programs. This attracts a large number of guests who are looking for a variety of recreation and new experiences. Gambling zones continue to develop event tourism and improve the quality of service”.
The strategy for integrating gambling zones into the Russian tourism industry is aimed at creating multifunctional facilities that attract tourists not only with gambling, but also with a wide range of entertainment and cultural events: music festivals, cultural exhibitions and gastronomic dinners. This allows us to significantly expand the attractiveness of gambling complexes for various categories of guests, including young people and family groups.
By focusing on the development of event tourism, gambling zones contribute to the formation of a holistic tourism ecosystem, which, in turn, can confirm their role in the economic development of the regions.