The Russian sports channel Match TV is considering entering the bookmaking business.
According to Kommersant, it is currently looking for a partner but negotiations with prospective ones are still at an early stage. It adds that bookmakers are expecting sharp growth in the business in the run-up to next year’s World Cup, which will be held in Russia.
The National Sports TV Channel, which operates Match TV, is reported to have registered the brands MatchStavka and Match!Stavka with the patent office.
There are currently around 30 holders of official bookmakers’ licences in Russia. The business is estimated to be worth R677 billion (€9.73 billion) a year, of which R403 billion is online.
The legal sector is worth R403 billion and illegal one R274 billion.