As an avid student of russian culture who has spent some time living in Russia in the past year I would not get very excited about these rules. I think you could get away with betting the amount of money necessary to make a good return on the trip(even with airfair, hotel, etc.) but the mafia controls russia so completely that it makes Al Capone's accomplishments look insignificant. If they suspect you of any type of cheating(which may very well in their opinion include counting cards) you could find yourself in a hole in siberia(if they even bother going to that much trouble). Russia is full of casinos, many of which are beatable, but you have to be around to enjoy your winnings.