Stoloto, the operator behind Moscow’s lottery network, has secured a Russian MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) license, granting it rights to provide mobile services nationwide without owning physical infrastructure. Issued on May 18, 2026, the license mandates service launch by May 2028 at the latest.
Instead of building its own network, Stoloto will lease infrastructure from existing federal carriers, following standard MVNO practice. The company hasn’t officially announced any specific mobile service plans yet, but according to Forbes, mobile connectivity might become part of a loyalty program tied to Stoloto’s lottery customers. Details on branding or tariff structures remain under wraps.
Stoloto’s move into telecom seems strategic amid mixed financials. While the company posted 5.6 billion rubles in revenue for 2025, it also recorded a sizable net loss of 1.4 billion rubles. Launching an MVNO could offer a new revenue stream and allow Stoloto to engage users through subscriptions, bonuses, and bundled offers linked to their lottery ecosystem.
The parent holding, S8 Capital, already has telecom experience through Next Mobile, its existing MVNO brand in Russia. However, regulatory rules prohibit reusing a single license across multiple legal entities, requiring Stoloto to apply for its own separate MVNO license for this new venture.
The Russian MVNO scene is heating up. Players like SberMobile, T-Mobile Russia, and Gazprombank Mobile operate MVNOs integrated within their broader ecosystems rather than as standalone telco businesses. TelecomDaily estimates the total Russian MVNO subscriber base has surpassed 20 million, signaling strong market acceptance.
The real challenge for Stoloto won’t be licensing but crafting a compelling package around its lottery operations and loyalty rewards before its 2028 deadline. If executed well, Stoloto could leverage mobile connectivity to deepen customer engagement, blurring the lines between gambling, entertainment, and communication-a trend gaining traction globally.