Casinos will be banned in Russia cities from tomorrow, forcing the industry to relocate to designated gambling zones in remote regions of the country.

The ban, which was first proposed by Vladimir Putin in 2006, is to go ahead despite criticism that the infrastructure and funding is not in place to successfully relocate casino operations.

“More than $40bn in investment is needed to develop the gaming zones,” Samoil Binder, deputy executive director of the Russian Association for Gaming Business Development, told the Moscow Times. “It will take 35 years to earn back the expenses that have already been paid.”

Many within the industry fear that the move will throw hundreds of thousands of people out of work, while driving gambling underground.

Although roulette and blackjack will be illegal, poker will still be permitted and may provide an opportunity for casino owners to continue operating under a different guise.