Responsible gambling has become a key focus for Russian lawmakers, with several new regulations recently passed and further measures in development. From September 2026, Russia is set to introduce free addiction treatment alongside a national self-exclusion register. Furthermore, the country’s first unified clinical guidelines for gambling addiction care are in the pipeline. New advertising requirements have also been introduced, while the sports betting industry has adopted voluntary ad standards aimed at strengthening both transparency and responsible gambling practices.
The self-exclusion register introduced for the first time
Russia’s national self-exclusion register will begin operating on 1 September 2026. The register will cover exclusion from both online and land-based gambling. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Gosuslugi government portal.
Two notable features of the new framework align with established international practice on self-exclusion: the mandatory minimum 12-month exclusion period and the prohibition on sending gambling advertising to self-excluded individuals.
Furthermore, a bill introducing penalties for gambling operators that allow self-excluded individuals to gamble is progressing through the legislative process. As per latest information available to Global Gaming Insider the Russian State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, has adopted the bill in its third and final reading.
Overall, the framework suggests Russian lawmakers have drawn on international practice when developing the new regulations, resulting in a comprehensive approach to self-exclusion.
Free treatment for gambling addiction
Also from 1 September 2026, individuals affected by gambling addiction in Russia will be able to receive comprehensive medical care free of charge from psychiatrists and addiction specialists.
The Ministry of Health has recognised gambling addiction as both a psychological disorder and a form of dependency similar to alcohol and drug addiction. Until now, it has been treated primarily as a psychological disorder by psychologists and psychiatrists.
Under the new approach, patients will be treated by psychiatrists specialising in addiction, allowing the use of established rehabilitation methods already used for other forms of dependency. The Serbsky National Medical Research Centre confirmed that all treatment will remain voluntary and require patient consent.
Russian health authorities are increasingly recognising the complex and multifaceted nature of gambling addiction
In this area, Russia is going a step further than many jurisdictions in its approach to gambling addiction treatment. While free healthcare is common across much of Europe, that is not the case in many other parts of the world. The reforms also suggest that Russian health authorities are increasingly recognising the complex and multifaceted nature of gambling addiction.
Mandatory warnings and voluntary advertising standards
In March, the Russian Ministry of Finance issued a Draft Order requiring gambling operators', both land-based and online, to display prominent warnings about gambling-related risks. The warning must state that gambling does not guarantee winnings and may lead to gambling addiction. Operators must also provide information on investment options, including how funds can be used to preserve or increase their value.
In June, major Russian bookmakers Pari, Liga Stavok and Winline signed voluntary industry guidelines on fair advertising practices. Guidelines introduce restrictions on so-called "hidden advertising," meaning disguising bookmaker advertising through entertainment formats such as sweepstakes or partnership projects.
A distinct set of recommendations covers advertising non-betting related activities of operators, such as events or other services. When a user clicks on an advertisement, they should receive information specifically about the advertised product or event and not a gambling-related offer.
While lawmakers continue to strengthen responsible gambling measures through mandatory warnings, self-exclusion and free treatment, the industry is taking proactive steps to improve its own advertising standards.
Proposed debtor betting ban remains in limbo
The bill banning debtors from placing bets was first introduced in 2024 but has yet to progress beyond its first reading. Its next reading is likely to be postponed until the autumn.
By combining self-exclusion, access to treatment, advertising restrictions and potential financial safeguards, lawmakers appear to be moving beyond isolated measures towards a more holistic safer gambling model
In early March, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov reportedly sent a letter to the office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko requesting that consideration of the bill be delayed. Back then, the Government was still finalising its position following concerns raised by the Unified Regulator of Gambling (ERAI) over the potential economic impact on the sector. ERAI estimates that bookmakers could lose up to 40% of their customers if the measure is introduced. There have also been discussions about banning the use of credit cards for betting.
Tackling illegal gambling and underage access
At the end of June, President Putin signed a law to accelerate the blocking of illegal online gambling sites. The legislation reduces the time available to the Federal Tax Service to review regulator requests from five working days to two. These requests relate to identifying domain names, website URLs and internet network addresses that may contain content linked to illegal gambling activities.
Soon after, Russia’s systemic opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) proposed introducing criminal liability for adults who deliberately encourage or enable underage gambling.
Lawmaker's holistic approach to responsible gambling issues
Russian lawmakers appear to have taken inspiration from jurisdictions with established gambling safeguards when shaping their new harm prevention framework. The emerging responsible gambling approach reflects a shift towards addressing gambling harm through multiple layers of intervention.
By combining self-exclusion, access to treatment, advertising restrictions and potential financial safeguards, lawmakers appear to be moving beyond isolated measures towards a more holistic model. This represents an unprecedented number of proposed and adopted responsible gambling measures within a single jurisdiction over such a short period. All eyes will be on Russia to see whether this comprehensive approach can deliver meaningful progress in preventing gambling harm.
Earlier, there were reports that Russia was considering the legalisation of online casinos
