Popular Sports For Russian Bettors – What Is Russia Betting On?
Posted: July 2, 2025
Updated: July 2, 2025
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What are the favorite sports for Russians?
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Bet on Russia’s favorite sports
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Popular sports for Russian bettors

From icy figure skating rinks to brutal bare-knuckle rings, Russia offers unique thrills. Popular sports for Russian bettors reflect the country’s passion for power, pride, and performance. Dive into the sports that capture their hearts and their wagers.
Russia’s sports culture is unlike any other, and so is its betting scene. Popular sports for Russian bettors include everything from mainstream football to niche bare-knuckle fighting. Because of the country’s climate, history, and pride, Russian fans place their bets with intensity.
Therefore, understanding their favorite sports opens a door to how they view loyalty, strength, and tradition. Register at any of the online sportsbook sites in Finland to bet on any of the highlighted games!
Bare Knuckle Fighting – Popular Sports For Russian Bettors
Bare-knuckle fighting is not the most popular, yet it is almost exclusive to Russia. Of course, if you have never heard about it before, take a look at our bare-knuckle fighting betting guide. Bare-knuckle fighting might seem like a throwback to a more brutal time. However, in Russia, it represents something deeper. This raw form of combat mixes history with regional identity. Unlike polished arenas and massive pay-per-view events, bare-knuckle matches often happen in open fields or small gyms.
Despite its underground feel, the sport enjoys widespread coverage online. Because of this visibility, betting followed naturally. Therefore, Russian bettors treat bare-knuckle fights almost like an art form. It’s not just about brute strength. Strategy, timing, and raw courage all play crucial roles. Because gloves aren’t involved, each punch counts more. Thus, bettors consider more variables when placing wagers. Register at 22BET Sportsbook and bet on these games today!
Hockey Is Popular In Russia
Some of the popular sports for Russian bettors provoke high competition with other regions. Hockey doesn’t just thrive in Russia, it defines winter sports here. The country’s frozen lakes, long winters, and love of hard-hitting games make it a perfect fit. However, Russian hockey has its rhythm, different from its North American counterpart. The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has become a powerhouse in international play. And with that rise, betting on hockey surged to match it. Russia even created the Match of the Year to see whether American-Russian players or Russian players are the best.
Grandfathers recall Soviet glory days while grandsons cheer on rising stars. And with that shared passion, betting becomes a way to deepen the bond. Because the stakes feel personal, the excitement never dips. Hockey games freeze time in Russia. Everything else can wait. Thus, it’s no surprise that betting on hockey remains one of the most enduring pastimes.
Bandy – Popular Sports For Russian Bettors
You might think of Bandy as hockey’s distant cousin. However, in Russia, bandy enjoys its fierce spotlight. It’s played with a ball instead of a puck, and the rink is bigger. That means more room to skate, pass, and strategize. Because of that open style, games often turn fast and chaotic. Russian fans love that chaos. Thus, bandy draws a unique betting audience. Not the most popular in the world. It is the same as hockey. According to Traditional Sports, bandy is the Russian version of hockey. However, betting on bandy requires different strategies than hockey.
The larger playing field and higher scoring shift how fans read matches. Bettors focus on teamwork, momentum, and even weather conditions. Snowfall, ice texture, and wind can impact play. Therefore, local knowledge becomes a real advantage. That insider awareness separates casual bettors from seasoned fans. Online communities help spread that insight. Social media and bandy-focused blogs break down each game. They highlight key matchups, team morale, and tactical shifts.
Football In Russian Culture
Naturally, football is also among the popular sports for Russian bettors. Football is more than just a sport in Russia, it’s a national ritual. From Red Square to remote villages, the game unites people of all ages. However, unlike other countries, Russia adds its flair. Loyalty runs deep, sometimes stretching back decades. Because of that, betting on football carries emotional weight. According to Reddit, soccer is still the most-watched sport in Russia, followed by hockey as a strong second. Because each city has its football club, the rivalries never end. Spartak Moscow vs. CSKA Moscow remains one of the fiercest matchups. Fans plan entire weekends around these clashes.
And with that passion, betting becomes part of the tradition. Placing a bet isn’t just about hoping for money. It’s about believing in your team. Russian bettors also enjoy deep analysis. Forums, Telegram groups, and YouTube breakdowns explore every angle. They debate formations, injuries, and coaching decisions. Thus, a Saturday match turns into an all-week conversation. Wagers come with pride attached. You aren’t just betting, you’re backing your group!
Figure Skating – Popular Sports For Russian Bettors
Few countries love figure skating as Russia does. For many, it’s a winter tradition. However, in Russia, figure skating holds a deeper meaning. It combines art, athleticism, and national pride in one icy performance. That’s why betting on it has quietly become widespread among fans. According to In Your Pocket, figure skating has a deep culture in Russia. With global stars emerging from Russian rinks each year, fans grow fiercely loyal. They know every routine, every fall, every comeback. Therefore, betting on figure skating becomes deeply personal. Fans don’t just wager on scores.
They bet on redemption arcs, surprise elements, and flawless artistry. Unlike other sports, figure skating relies on judges, not just points. That makes betting trickier. However, Russian bettors embrace the challenge. They study scoring systems, judge panels, and routine layouts. Because of this attention to detail, figure skating betting in Russia feels almost academic.
Biathlon
Finally, we have biathlon among the most popular sports for Russian bettors. Which is one of the most honorable sports. Take a look at our biathlon betting guide to understand everything about it! Because of Russia’s cold climate and military background, biathlon thrives. Athletes must ski long distances, and then control their breath to shoot targets accurately. That mix of chaos and calm appeals to fans. Thus, bettors flock to biathlon events, especially during the winter season. The World Cup circuit features prominently in Russian sports coverage. Every victory brings celebration. Losses spark endless debate. Betting adds another dimension to this engagement.
Fans don’t just cheer, they analyze every slope, every rifle shot. Because performance can swing wildly, the sport rewards research and timing. Russian fans treat biathlon athletes like national heroes. Their names appear in headlines and songs. Parents push their kids into biathlon academies. Thus, each event feels personal. Wagering becomes more than profit, it’s part of national pride. Register at 22BET Sportsbook and bet on Russia’s favorite games!