In 2009, after special gambling zones were created in Russia two years before, all casinos outside those zones were outlawed by decree. Azov-city eluded the measure and investments flowed in with the opening of three casinos .

During the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Putin’s administration told casino operators in Azov-city they would be shut down, unless they move their gambling facilities to Sochi. There was even a deadline in April 1, 2015 but some operators took to the courts to be reimbursed for their investments and at least two casinos, the Oracul and the Shambala are still open, whilst Nirvana appears to be closed.

Now, according to the Russian news outlet Kommersant, the Territory Property Relations Department has expressed its acquiescence to allow Azov-city operators to continue business at least until the end of 2018. A federal law is being drafted with the aim of extending gambling in the area until the end of 2018 as a compensation for investors.