Moscow - Casinos and other gambling establishments across Russia were legally obliged to shut on Wednesday, as a law aimed at curbing gambling addiction came into effect.

In Moscow, police overnight verified that some 513 gaming venues, among them 29 casinos, were complying with the ban, which came into effect at midnight.

The law was signed at the end of 2006 by then-president Vladimir Putin, and only allows gambling venues in four special zones in Russia. Few facilities have until now been developed in these areas, however.

Experts anticipate that illegal gambling will take off in the face of the ban.

Poker (without monetary stakes), lotteries and betting on sport are still allowed.(dpa)