Don't book your tickets to Vladivostok just yet, Kings and Queens and Jacks and Aces. According to Reuters, today marks the beginning of a nationwide ban on gambling within the largest former Soviet republic. Originally thought up by then-President, now Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in 2006, the ban--which was originally envisioned to as a means of economically stimulating several impoverished regions--put as many as 300,000 Russians out of work overnight. No Jokers here.

Though casinos throughout the world's largest country will retain basic slot machines, so-called "Las Vegas style" gambling will be restricted to four rarely-visited areas of the country described by the government as "needing investment," including in its far eastern reaches near the North Korean border. The problem?

Nothing has been built yet.

In fact, designated zones in southern Russia, along the Baltic Sea, and in Siberia, as well as the aforementioned eastern location are not only void of casinos, but of infrastructure as well, lacking water, roads and electricity. The investment required to fulfill the government's goals is estimated at more than $40 billion. The Russian gambling industry, which has exploded since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991, brought it more than $8 billion annually, $1 billion of which was paid in taxes. Without this revenue and with unemployment in the nation at an 8-year high, critics argue that the Putin's latest promise will prove to be empty as best and devestating to the third of a million people put out of work, the Kremlin's citation of a figure closer to 10,000 a testament to its indifference and unwareness with regard to the matter.

Austinites unaffected by this news can access Russia via Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo International airports with one-stop service from Delta (via Atlanta and New York-JFK) and United (Washington Dulles), respectively. American Airlines has been offering service from Chicago-O'Hare to Domodedovo, but will discontinue that flight September 30. It should be noted that Americans entering Russia are required to obtain a Russian visa in advance, instructions for which can be found here. Stay tuned to the Austin International Travel Examiner for further breaking news, destination profiles, time-saving tips and more.